The Marine Parks Act 2004 (the Act) provides for the conservation of Queensland’s marine environment by implementing a comprehensive range of management strategies, including:

• the declaration of marine parks
• the establishment of zones and designated areas, including highly protected areas within marine parks.

These management arrangements are formalised through gazetted zoning plans and, where necessary, the development of management plans.

The Act aims to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach with other environmental conservation legislation. It recognises the cultural, economic, environmental and social relationships between marine parks and their adjacent lands and waters.

International and national responsibilities

Australia’s international responsibilities and intergovernmental agreements are essential considerations in park management. Marine parks extend across areas adjacent to the Queensland coast under the control of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. Both governments have agreed that, as far as practicable in managing marine parks, state legislation will be consistent with the relevant Commonwealth legislation. This agreement is critical in the Great Barrier Reef region, where complementary measures support the management of this significant area.

Queensland marine parks

Marine parks are multiple-use areas that provide for various activities and visitor opportunities, e.g. fishing, tourism, education, research and coastal infrastructure. The zoning plans prescribed under the Act describe where the types of uses can occur and various other management measures.

Three marine parks have been declared under the Act, and corresponding zoning plans have been established:

• The Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park
• The Great Sandy Marine Park
• The Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Along with the Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, approximately 99% of the east coast of Queensland sits within a marine park.

The plans and regulations that support the Act are:

• Marine Parks (Declaration) Regulation 2006
• Marine Parks (Great Barrier Reef Coast) Zoning Plan 2004
• Marine Parks (Great Sandy) Zoning Plan 2024
• Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2019
• Marine Parks Regulation 2017.

Annual reporting on the administration of the Act supports vital communication and accountability. From 2020 to 2024, there have been three annual reports. The findings are below.

Amendments

Approved management plans

No new management plans for marine park areas were approved in the reporting period.

Authorities

Offences and enforcement

Accreditations

Legislative provisions

More information:

• Marine Parks