A Permit Application Assessment Fee (PAAF) is collected to cover the cost of processing applications for Marine Parks permits by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). The fee is charged prior to assessing the application.

Moneys received from assessment fees remain with the GBRMPA and the QPWS.

Who has to pay a Permit Application Assessment Fee?

Anybody applying for a permit to conduct a commercial activity within the Marine Park will be charged an assessment fee, unless a delegate of the GBRMPA determines the assessment to be minimal. There are two types of Permit Application Assessment Fees:

• Initial Fees - apply if you are applying for a new operation, or significantly changing an existing one. (There is no fee for minor changes to an existing permit.)
• Continuation Fees - apply to operators who already hold a permit, but who wish to continue operations beyond the permit expiry date. Continuation fees will only apply if permit applications are lodged before the existing permit expires.

How do I know what fee I will be charged?

The fee charged is based on the type of operation you are applying for and will vary depending on its size and potential for environmental impacts. Generally, the bigger the operation, the more likely there will be impacts on the reef, therefore the cost of the assessment will be greater.

If you are only operating vessels or aircraft and have not applied to operate a structure or facility in the Marine Parks, the fee will be based on the maximum passenger capacity of all vessels or aircraft covered by the application.

Your Permit Application Assessment Fee can only be decided definitely when you submit a firm application.

When do the fees have to be paid?

You may send the assessment fee payment with your application and we will confirm whether your payment is correct (or let you know the correct amount to be paid).

Alternatively, a notice of the fee will be sent to you as soon as possible after we receive your application. You will then have 21 days from the date of that notice to pay the fee.

For large operations requiring an Environmental Impact Statement or a Public Environment Report there is provision for payments to be made by instalments.

If the assessment fee isn't paid within 21 days, your application will lapse and there is no provision for an extension of time.

If your application lapses and your current permit expires, you will have to pay the higher assessment fee charged for obtaining a new permit when you re-apply and you will be required to cease operations until you receive the new permit.

No decision will be made on a permit application until the assessment fee has been paid.

Are fees refundable if my application is refused?

Assessment fees are not refundable if the application is refused. The fees are to cover costs of assessing your application whether or not a permit is granted.

How often do I have to pay a Permit Application Assessment Fee?

Each time you make an application you will be charged an assessment fee. Permits are issued for different periods depending on the activity, however even if the operation does not change, you are required to pay an assessment fee each time you apply.

Is there a fee to change my operation?

Changing your operation may require a further assessment of the impacts of the new operation and you must let us know before you commence any changes. You may be charged an initial assessment fee if there are significant changes, such as:

• Increase in passenger capacity
• Changes in type of activities
• Additions to permitted locations.

Permit Application Assessment Fees (applies for calendar year 2013 only)

Fees for other applications and requests

For more information contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority:
Email permitenquiry@gbrmpa.gov.au
Phone 1800 990 177 or (07) 4750 0700
Fax (07) 4772 6093