]]
Coastal and Marine Pollution
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window
The Great Barrier Reef is facing an increasing threat from a decline in the water quality in the catchments draining into the Reef lagoon.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have agreed, through a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly developing a Reef Water Quality Protection Plan to protect the Reef from land based sources of pollution.
The Great Barrier Reef is a nationally and internationally significant area with outstanding natural values. It makes a major contribution to the local, regional and national economy as well as being of major social significance to the region and the nation.
Along with the largest system of coral reefs in the world, the Reef is home to extensive seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and sponge gardens. Many of the Reef's marine species rely on coastal freshwater wetlands and estuaries as breeding and nursery areas.
Extensive land development in the catchments adjacent to the reef for urban centres, agricultural production, tourism and mining has led to increased pollution of these rivers. The Plan will particularly focus on diffuse sources of catchment pollution since point sources such as mines and sewage treatment plants are already regulated.
The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan will build on previous and ongoing processes undertaken by the two Governments to address issues that relate to this threat, including work undertaken by the Reef Protection Taskforce.
Studies undertaken to support the Plan include a review by a panel of scientists formed to provide advice on water quality in and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and a Productivity Commission study on industries in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment and measures to address declining water quality.
Input from all those with an interest in the Reef is critical to the successful development of the Plan. Local governments, industries, the scientific community and all Australians concerned with conserving Australia's unique biodiversity are being offered the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Plan through a Community Engagement Program. All members of the community are invited to provide information that will assist in the development of the Plan.
Stage 1 informed stakeholders of the Plan's background, developed some water quality improvement actions that can be taken now, gained information on what people are doing to improve water quality, and developed partnerships and cooperative approaches between Governments and stakeholders. This stage was completed in August 2002.
A consultation Information Paper was prepared following Stage 1.
Stage 2 built on the Information Paper to develop, with stakeholders, the proposed key elements of the Plan, particularly how improved catchment management can be achieved. A series of workshops with stakeholders were held and the outcomes recorded to assist in this process.
Information gained from Stages 1 and 2 has been incorporated into the Draft Plan.
Stage 3 sought community and stakeholder comments on the Draft Plan and addressed concerns raised regarding the Draft Plan.
Stage 4 developed the final Plan incorporating the comments from Stage 3. Now the Queensland and Australian Governments have launched the plan, on 5 December 2003, implementation will begin.
Reef Water Quality Protection Plan
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: gbrwq.plan@environment.gov.au
Freecall 1800 803 772
Fax: 02 6274 1006
Reef Water Quality Protection Plan
Environment and Resources Policy
Department of Premier and Cabinet
PO Box 185
Albert Street,
Brisbane QLD 4002
Email: reef.plan@premiers.qld.gov.au