Policy on Moorings in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has developed a policy on moorings which aims to provide a framework for the consistent and effective use and management of moorings throughout the Marine Park. The Authority supports the use of moorings to improve access opportunities that are ecologically sustainable, equitable and efficient.

The policy covers site planning; use of public and privately owned moorings; establishment of a moorings register; introduction of standard mooring buoys; uninstalled and underutilised moorings; mooring design, installation and maintenance; mooring relocation and removal; permit matters, and fees and charges.

The policy covers both public and private moorings, but does not cover multi-point mooring systems (other than a fore and aft mooring system) or moorings that are used as a structural component of a pontoon or other marine structure.

The policy has been in effect since its approval by the Marine Park Authority Board on 30 April 2002, and many of the provisions of the policy are presently being implemented through permitting procedures. There are, however, several provisions of the policy that need to be brought into effect through regulation. Until new regulations are in place, these provisions should be read as 'statements of intent'. The Authority is anticipating that full implementation of the policy, including Regulations, can be completed by the end of June 2003.