Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment: Strategic assessment report. Draft for public comment

Abstract

Public Consultation on the draft strategic assessment for the Great Barrier Reef closed on Friday 31 January 2014 after a three-month comment period.The strategic assessment looks at the marine environment and adjacent coastal zone, examining how natural and heritage values can be protected into the future.

It shows the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef region is in good condition, but inshore areas below Cooktown are in decline.

Proposed actions include restoring and reconnecting coastal ecosystems linked to the health of the Reef and a net benefit policy to ensure activities produce an overall benefit to its condition.

There’s also a focus on considering cumulative impacts – multiple impacts from multiple sources - when assessing applications for future developments in or adjacent to the Marine Park.

This work forms part of the Australian Government's response to the World Heritage Committee's concerns about the impacts of development on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.