In December 2005 the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority produced the Heritage Strategy as required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The strategy outlines actions for identifying, assessing and monitoring the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park’s heritage values, the development of a heritage register and preparation of heritage management plans.

After consideration by the Australian Heritage Council, the draft Heritage Strategy was approved by the Australian Environment Minister in early 2006. Commonwealth heritage includes places with Indigenous, historic and natural values throughout the Marine Park, including the historic values associated with Commonwealth Islands, such as Lady Elliot Island and Low Isles. The Marine Park currently has various management arrangements in place that protect heritage values including:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Act and Regulations
• Statutory Zoning Plan 2003 [Acrobat Format 2697KB]
• Plans of Management
• Specific lease arrangements with the various lessees for Commonwealth Islands (and in several instances, a permanent on-site caretaker on those islands).

Of the 58 actions identified in an Appendix to the Heritage Strategy, six have been completed already and seven are currently underway as part of the Marine Park's existing work programme. Some 28 actions are considered ongoing requirements that only occur when a specific situation arises, and 17 are future actions that will need to be addressed over the next two to five years.

Implementation of the heritage obligations for areas within the Marine Park commenced in 2006/07 with the preparation of draft management plans for Lady Elliot Island and Dent Island.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Heritage Strategy   [Acrobat Format 476KB]