Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975
The primary objective of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 is to provide for the long term protection and conservation of the environment, biodiversity, and heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef Region. The Act provides for:
- the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- a framework for the planning and management of the Marine Park through zoning plans, plans of management and a system of permissions.
Subordinate to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (Zoning Plan) is the primary planning instrument for the conservation and management of the Marine Park.
The Zoning Plan considers the world heritage values of the marine park. It aims, with other management mechanisms, to:
- conserve the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem within a network of highly protected zones
- provide opportunities for the ecologically sustainable use of the Reef and access to the Great Barrier Reef Region by current and future generations.