Foreword

The present Strategy has been prepared to promote broad-reaching conservation of dugong and marine turtle populations in the Great Barrier Reef Region. Similar conservation and management issues exist in other parts of these species’ ranges, within and outside areas of Queensland or Australian Government jurisdiction. This strategy must be viewed in context of existing and planned management actions by other agencies. That is, in recognition that the conservation of turtles and dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef Region is only part of a much larger picture of necessary conservation.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage (QDEH) has cooperated and assisted with the preparation of the present Strategy. QDEH is currently preparing Conservation Plans for dugong and marine turtles to be given effect under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This Strategy and the QDEH Conservation Plans have been framed to complement and assist, rather than contradict, each other. This Strategy is strategic in its focus, and aims to put in place a set of procedures, reviews and actions (many voluntary), to resolve management difficulties across the entire Great Barrier Reef Region and many diverse interests. The QDEH Conservation Plans are more specific and present immediate actions directed at individual issues, but are consistent with the strategic approach contained in this document.

The Commonwealth Government, through the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 and in cooperation with other state and regional governments, is moving towards a set of management measures that will be consistent across state and neighbouring international boundaries where possible. A forum to be convened by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council is planned to facilitate such an approach. This Strategy, in cooperation with the QDEH Conservation Plans, should serve as a model for such measures in the future.