Great Barrier Reef intergovernmental agreement 2009

Abstract

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have long demonstrated their commitment to working together collaboratively for the long-term protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, to ensure it is preserved as an important feature of the nation’s and the world’s heritage. The Emerald Agreement formalised this cooperative approach in 1979 and a series of collaborative arrangements has evolved over time. The Commonwealth and Queensland governments have agreed to update these arrangements, recognising the challenges of protecting the Great Barrier Reef into the future arising from pressures from the land and marine environments and the impacts of climate change. This agreement establishes these new arrangements, clearly articulating objectives, respective functions and accountabilities.