REE1F JOINT FIELD9 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMANNUAL 
R2EP0ORTS U M M A R Y
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Dedicated field officers are essential for protecting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, 
which stretches 2300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. With more than 2900 reefs and 
1050 islands — home to iconic plants, animals, habitats and rich cultural heritage — there’s 
plenty of vital field work to do in this World Heritage Area.
The field officers are part of the Australian and Queensland The Reef Joint Field Management Program won the 
governments’ Great Barrier Reef Joint Field Management Prime Ministers Gold Award for Excellence in Public 
Program, which operates in the Commonwealth Great Sector Management in 2019. This significant achievement 
Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Queensland Great Barrier recognises the program’s commitment to collaborate, 
Reef Coast Marine Park, plus on Commonwealth islands innovate and tackle threats to the World Heritage Area, 
and Queensland island protected areas. deliver on-ground outcomes, and foster strong relationships 
with First Nations people, the community and others.
The joint program provides a constant, in-park presence; 
delivering conservation actions, checking for change, The program is undergoing a significant expansion and 
responding to incidents, welcoming people and upholding transformation, which commenced in the 2017–18 financial 
compliance. year following the Australian and Queensland governments’ 
commitment to additional funding. Expansion is being 
Our field management activities combat threats and build staged to enable considered and sustained growth from a 
resilience for the reef, islands and species, so all Australians joint base funding commitment of around $17 million to over 
and international visitors can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef $38 million by 2021–22, and an increase in staff from 115 to 
World Heritage Area now and into the future. around 186 people. In 2019–20 the program advanced eight 
Patrolling these waters and islands, the Reef Joint Field of the 12 key investment areas: maintaining essential field 
Management Program delivers a range of crucial activities. management capabilities; a safe fit for purpose vessel fleet; 
These include monitoring and maintaining internationally island restoration and supporting reef restoration; enhancing 
important turtle and seabird breeding islands, eliminating compliance through vessel tracking; enhancing compliance 
island pests, and developing walking tracks, camping areas through increased in park presence, public contact and 
and lookouts. education; streamlining permissions; technology and data 
management; and collaborating with First Nations people. 
In-water activities include maintaining a network of reef 
protection markers and moorings, and surveying reefs to This document summarises the Reef Joint Field 
help us understand and manage the impact of cyclones, Management Program’s 2019–20 achievements in delivering 
crown-of-thorns starfish and bleaching on our coral reef the Reef Joint Field Management Program Annual Business 
ecosystems. Plan 2019-20 and complements the Reef Joint Field 
Management Program Annual Report 2019–20.
Field officers interact regularly with stakeholders and the 
broader community, providing information to park users COVID-19
and ensuring they abide by the rules that protect this 
iconic place. The program works with First Nations people The Reef Joint Field Management Program’s capacity to 
to manage their Land and Sea Country and encourages deliver planned activities and projects was affected by the 
communities and industries to protect species, coral reefs COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-20. The program adapted and 
and islands. responded quickly and implemented a number of measures 
Field management activities are at the heart of Australia’s to ensure ongoing delivery of activities while maintaining the 
obligation to protect the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage safety of staff and the public. Despite COVID-19 impacts on 
Area. First agreed in 1979 by the then-Prime Minister the program’s delivery, expansion has enabled noticeable 
Malcolm Fraser and Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke improvements in performance targets for 2019-20.
Petersen, the ‘Emerald Agreement’ established the 
foundation for joint management of the Great Barrier Reef. 
The current Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement IN MEMORY
2015 cements the Australian and Queensland governments’ On 6 April 2020 marine parks 
commitment to long-term protection of the World Heritage ranger Zach Robba’s life was 
Area, as well as the Reef Joint Field Management Program. 
tragically taken away too early 
Across four decades the program has grown from a small 
handful of officers managing the 12,000 square-kilometre while working in the southern 
Capricornia section, to 155 officers managing 348,000 Great Barrier Reef. Being a 
square kilometres of marine parks and 470 island national ranger was Zach’s dream job, 
parks and Commonwealth islands. and he embraced all that it 
entailed.
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Assessments of fire and weed 
management priorities were 
undertaken for key Whitsunday 
Island grasslands
2019–20 FINANCE SUMMARY
The Australian and Queensland governments allocated funding of $29,765,266 through the Reef 
Joint Field Management Program Annual Business Plan 2019–20 and carryover funds to deliver 
field activities across the 348,000 square-kilometre World Heritage Area. The final available funds 
for the program increased slightly to $30,509,525 due to additional revenue received. 
At the start of 2019–20, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The program also received funding from other sources that 
Authority held funds of $922,047 from the previous year’s contributed to field delivery in 2019–20, including:
carryover and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service 
• Queensland and Australian government funding to 
held funds of $2,815,423. 
develop new and improved island visitor facilities in 
Revenue of $1,322,259 was received by the joint program the Whitsundays and assist tourism industry recovery 
in 2019–20, including $500,000 from the Authority for following Cyclone Debbie
additional crown-of-thorns starfish surveys, a $200,000 
• corporate sponsorship towards the Raine Island 
discretionary contribution from the Authority towards 
Recovery Project
completion of the 24 metre vessel Reef Resilience, 
$499,113 from sale of vessels and equipment, $54,519 in • offset funding for Queensland and Australian 
cost recovery, $50,749 in permit fees, $12,688 in rent and government approvals associated with Curtis Island 
$5190 in other revenue. Liquid Natural Gas projects
The Reef Joint Field Management Program expenditure of • Queensland Government funding to improve the 
$29,377,078 was within 1.3 per cent of the $29,765,266 Magnetic Island Forts Carpark through the Growth Area 
budget allocation. This is a significant improvement from and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund
eight per cent in 2018-19, particularly given the delays in • Queensland Government funding to demolish disused 
certain projects due to COVID-19. The program is on track Hinchinbrook Island Resort 
to return to its 6-year performance of being within one per 
cent of budget allocation. • Australian Government funding to provide compliance 
training through the Capacity Building for Indigenous 
At the end of 2019–20, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers Strategy.
Service held funds of $255,157 and the Great Barrier Reef 
Marine Park Authority held funds of $877,290 on behalf of 
the Reef Joint Field Management Program. 
 
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3 O U R  A C H I E V E M E N T S Rangers 
on patrol 1716 Number of program staff 
The Reef Joint Field Management Program has five core priorities that aim to maintain the outstanding providing 98 16 delivering field activity SEA
universal value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and enhance economic, recreational and a reef AERIAL LAND increased 9%, up from 142 
traditional use of the Great Barrier Reef. safety net DAY S to 155 people
DELIVERING CONSERVATION ACTIONS CHECKING FOR CHANGE WELCOMING PEOPLE UPHOLDING COMPLIANCE
SAVING TURTLES
REEF HEALTH IMPROVING RECREATIONAL FISHING 75 days delivering recovery activities at Raine Island, COMMUNICATING WITH WORLD 
3rd sand reprofiling moving 15,000m3 of sand resulting in 1980 reef health and impact surveys across HERITAGE AREA USERS COMPLIANCE 
viable turtle nesting habitat doubling since 2014 196 reefs check health 2901 contacts with users while on patrol 3 marine parks zoning education and awareness campaigns held in Yeppoon, 
Gladstone, and Green Island
ERADICATING PESTS ENSURING EARLY DETECTION ENCOURAGING LOCAL PROTECTING YOUR PATCH 
responding to a yellow crazy ant incursion in the STEWARDSHIP 6549 manta tow surveys monitor crown-of- WHA users provide 67 compliance incidents reports of illegal activity 
Whitsundays and delivering 170 days of invasive thorns starfish, covering 1249 kilometres of volunteers responded to 61% of marine turtle 
weed control at Curtis Island reef-margin across the World Heritage Area strandings and 1200 hours delivered for 
island weed control PROTECTING REEF SPECIES 
1052 dedicated compliance days to deter and identify illegal activity – 
IDENTIFYING KEY PARK VALUES 938 vessel, 16 land and 98 aerial - 20% above the 870 day target
10 island parks had key values, condition and KEEPING TABS ON SEABIRDS CREATING NEW VISITOR 
trend identified 223 bird surveys at 149 locations identifying OPPORTUNITIES   
88 species, with rare and new species recorded Curtis Island’s opportunities are expanding PROMOTING INDUSTRY STEWARDSHIP 
with Connors Bluff day use area complete commercial fisheries vessel tracking reduces threats to marine 
MAINTAINING HEALTHY ISLANDS and construction of a 20km multi-use trail parks values, 5 court prosecutions from detections and 
51% of island parks within recommended fire network underway; Whitsunday Island’s 29km multi-day 3-fold increase in coral reef fin fishery suspected offences 
prescription up from 47%, including 70% of UNDERSTANDING TRENDS   Ngaro Trail under construction; and upgrades to Lizard 
Protection Zones, 55% of Mitigation Zones, and 51% Island’s walking track to Cooks Lookout, and Lady 40 years of seabird data collected by the program 
of Conservation Zones Musgrave and North West islands popular campgrounds analysed for species trends, 12 had probable now open to visitors IMPOSING CONSEQUENCES FOR 
increases, 30 probable declines and 23 had stable ENVIRONMENTAL HARM 
or uncertain trends 1349 possible offences lead to: 45 court prosecutions, 133 
FILLING INFORMATION GAPS infringement notices, 58 caution notices, 402 advisory letters, MANAGING COUNTRY TOGETHER 
Regional ecosystem mapping of 28 previously and 30 warning notices 
unmapped islands WATCHING ISLANDS  First Nations peoples presence on program vessels increased three-fold in the southern 
health checks on four priority island parks to check GBR to 149 person days (up from 45 days in EXPANDING THE COMPLIANCE NETWORK 
condition of key values and 96 Island Watch surveys 2018-19 and 7 days in 2017-18) training 21 Indigenous rangers as marine parks inspectors 
PROTECTING HISTORIC HERITAGE with 42 graduates across 2 years
repairing Magnetic Island’s historic Forts 
buildings, part of Townsville’s defence history and ENABLING SUSTAINABLE USE 
one of the best examples along the Queensland IDENTIFYING BIODIVERSITY  decisions made on 316 joint marine parks ENCOURAGING COMPLIANCE 
coastline 6 Key Biodiversity Areas identified that support permit applications, 25 state marine park 
globally significant numbers of seabirds and 54 national park permit applications AWARENESS   
engaging with 700+ Indigenous rangers and Traditional 
PROTECTING CULTURAL HERITAGE Owners to encourage compliance reporting, build 
relationships and manage land and sea country together
Hook Island rock art protected from goats with SUPPORTING PARTNERS  CLEANING UP ISLAND PARKS  
exclusion fencing and targeted control demolishing disused Hinchinbrook Island 
providing transport and assistance for turtle monitoring on Resort, 8 barge trips transported 259 tonnes 
7 islands, including the first monitoring in almost 20 years of recycled metal, 44 tonnes of asbestos and MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM    
at the GBR’s largest flatback rookery, Wild Duck Island 20,100 litres of sewage supervising 17 permitted activities within the World Heritage Area
HELPING BOATIES PROTECT CORAL 
AND SEAGRASS
279 moorings and 269 reef protection markers 
inspected and maintained RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS
RESTORING ISLAND HABITATS UNDERSTANDING REEF THREATS PROTECTING ISLANDS, PEOPLE AND 
Lady Elliot Ecosystem Resilience Plan 2020 finalised and PROTECTING ENVIRONMENTS   
implementation accelerated in collaboration with Lady Elliot pre-summer workshop assessed the risk of coral PROPERTIES   mitigating risk associated with 94 maritime 
Island Eco Resort and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation bleaching and cyclones responded to 3 wildfires across island national parks, events, including 38 groundings and 15 
and supported wildfire response across Queensland and sinkings
COORDINATING CORAL BLEACHING interstate with 75 staff deployments
RESPONSE  aerial surveys and 108 in-water 
TRIALLING REEF RESTORATION ASSESSING DAMAGE    surveys check for coral bleaching during the 3rd mass 
Improving macroalgae removal methods at Magnetic coral bleaching in the WHA in 5 years in-field response to 4 incidents to assess 
Island and enhancing coral larvae recruitment damage to the World Heritage Area 
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Around 15,000 cubic metres 
of sand was moved at Raine 
Island to create more viable 
green turtle nesting habitat
2019–2020 HIGHLIGHTS
DELIVERING CONSERVATION ACTIONS
RAINE ISLAND RECOVERY PROJECT Traditional Owners were employed as rangers on all nine 
Species recovery work continued on Raine Island in the trips undertaken, with 194 person-days delivered in the 
project’s fifth year of funding, with 75 days spent delivering field. This included Traditional Owners being at Raine Island 
recovery activities with Wuthathi and Meriam Nation (Ugar, as on-site Cultural Heritage Advisors during sand reprofiling 
Mer, Erub) Traditional Owners. One planned trip in April and assisting with monitoring at Sandbank No. 8 to enable 
2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. comparison of nesting and hatching across the two sites. 
The program’s recovery activities are delivered consistent 
Following successful beach reprofiling exercises in 2014 with the Caring for Raine Island Country and Culture 
and 2017 to improve turtle nesting and hatching a third – A Strategic Plan for the Indigenous Cultural Heritage 
reprofiling was undertaken over 11 days in August and Management of the Raine Island Group developed by the 
September 2019. Around 15,000 cubic metres of sand was Traditional Owners.
moved to raise the height of the beach and create more 
viable nesting habitat, which is now double the area of A draft Raine Island National Park Scientific Management 
viable habitat before reprofiling commenced in 2014. Statement and associated draft resource information and 
pest thematic strategy have been developed and will be 
Turtle monitoring revealed a high-density nesting season progressed further in 2020-21 with Traditional Owner 
with approximately 64,000 turtles aggregating in December involvement. A historic cultural heritage strategy is also in 
2019. However there was low hatchling production preparation.
compared to previous seasons, partly due to clutch 
destruction from turtles digging up previously laid eggs; and These achievements would not have been possible without 
low nesting success caused by disturbance amongst the the partnership and additional funding from BHP through 
high number of female turtles trying to lay on the beach. the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.a
The involvement of First Nations people is crucial to the 
success of the Raine Island Recovery Project. In 2019-20 
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Removal of macroalgae from 
fringing reef at Magnetic Island 
was more efficient and removed 
more algae when using a prototype 
pumping system
VALUES BASED MANAGEMENT Monitoring and research thematic strategies that 
Implementation of the values based management framework commenced in 2018-19 for Capricornia Cays National Park 
for protected areas progressed with further assessment and National Park Scientific, and Curtis and Whitsunday 
workshops, assessment reports and development of island national parks were completed. They provide 
thematic strategies in 2019–20. Value and level of service direction on health checks to be undertaken to monitor 
assessment reports were completed for 10 island protected the condition of island key values, with health checks 
areas: Raine Island and Capricornia Cays national park undertaken on these islands and also Hinchinbrook Island 
scientific; Capricornia Cays National Park; and Whitsunday, National Park in 2019-20. 
Gloucester, Lindeman, Molle, Repulse, Possession and 
Lizard island national parks. The program is working 
with First Nations peoples so that these values based REEF RESTORATION
assessment reports reflect a shared assessment of the The Reef Joint Field Management Program continues to 
islands values, levels of service and management. A review deliver the Reef Blueprint’s recommendation for active 
of the Barnard Island Group National Park value and level of localised reef restoration. In 2019–20 a pumping system 
service assessment is also underway with the Mandubarra to remove macroalgae from fringing reef was trialled at 
peoples and the program has commenced working with the Florence Bay on Magnetic Island. The trial demonstrated 
Wulgurukaba peoples to develop a Magnetic Island National that the pumping system is more efficient and removes 
Park Management Statement. a greater volume of macroalgae when compared with 
Work also commenced on developing values inventories previous years manual methods. To encourage recruitment 
and assessments for Broad Sound, South Cumberland of coral, the program also collaborated with James Cook 
and Keppel Bay island national parks; Percy Isles National University and Southern Cross University to trial coral larvae 
Park; Flinders and Howick groups national parks (Cape York enhancement at the cleared sites, following successful 
Peninsula Aboriginal Land); and Marpa, Ma’alpiku, Mitirinchi, trials elsewhere in previous years. James Cook University 
Piper and Wuthara islands national parks (Cape York is monitoring the effect of macroalgae removal and coral 
Peninsula Aboriginal Land); which will continue in 2020–21. larvae enhancement on the fringing coral reef environment. 
Another reef restoration project being led by the program 
Thematic strategies provide more detail around on-ground is the Green Island Mars Reef Stars, a collaboration with 
delivery for protected areas and are considered together Mars Sustainable Solutions, the Sydney University of 
with values assessment reports, management plans and Technology and local tourism operators to trial localised 
statements. Fire thematic strategies were developed, restoration at Green Island with ‘reef stars’ and ‘coral clips’ 
approved and recorded in the Queensland Parks and using techniques implemented successfully in Indonesia. 
Wildlife Service’s electronic Flame system for Lindeman, While COVID-19 restrictions have delayed the project, reef 
Repulse, Goold and Gloucester island national parks. stars are being fabricated and in-field works will occur 
Draft strategies were also prepared for South Cumberland, in November 2020 in collaboration with local tourism 
Broadsound and Whitsunday island national parks. Pest operators. 
thematic strategies were also developed, approved and 
recorded for Capricornia Cays and Keppel Bay Islands The program continued to support and enable reef 
national parks and national parks scientific; and Molle, restoration initiatives led by others, including coral larvae 
Lizard, and Gloucester island national parks. enhancement trials, coral gardening at tourism sites, and 
pumping of water from cooler depths. 
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Aerial baiting at North West Island 
commenced to reduce the threat 
mice pose to nesting seabirds
PEST MANAGEMENT predation for a second year. While the threat pests pose to 
Targeted pest management continued in 2019–20 to protect the marine plain are reducing, the threat posed by climate 
the natural integrity of priority island locations and reduce change and associated sea level rise is now evident. In 
disturbance and predation of vulnerable species. The 2019-20 the largest tidal intrusion of the marine plain to 
program delivered a range of pest plant and animal projects date was observed, extending into areas not previously 
to control pests like pigs, deer, foxes, dogs, mice, cattle, reached. This together with three years of drought has led 
goats, lantana, Siam weed, and invasive grasses. to significant decline in Schoenoplectus spp habitat where 
the critically endangered chat breeds. Options to prevent 
Rehabilitation of koala habitats on St Bees Island is tidal ingress into key habitats are being investigated and will 
progressing well following confirmed eradication of goats be considered further in 2020-21. 
in 2018-19. The Program has refined its lantana control to 
incorporate research findings from 2018-19 on the benefits While COVID-19 restrictions delayed some planned 
of combined herbicide and fire, and reduced overgrazing pest control activities in 2019-20 the program took the 
by removing 229 wallabies. Monitoring indicates that opportunity to reduce seagull numbers on several islands in 
lantana cover has decreased by 38 to 100 per cent across the Capricornia Cays while visitor numbers were low. Initial 
monitoring sites and that recruitment of native grasses has observations indicate that targeted removal of seagulls 
increased. In future years these activities should lead to around ground nesting tern colonies results in improved 
eucalypt recruitment, which will support the island’s koala breeding success. 
population. An emergency response was initiated for the yellow crazy 
The North West Island mice eradication project has ant detection at Shute Harbour in 2018-19. The program 
commenced with on-ground baiting, and will extend into has strengthened its biosecurity measures to prevent the 
2020-21. Mice are a significant threat to seabirds which ants spreading to the Whitsundays’ island national parks. 
nest on the island, eating eggs and young chicks and even Regular island surveillance has not found any sign of the 
attacking nesting adults. For safety reasons the island was invasive ants and the heightened surveillance will continue in 
closed to all visitors while baiting was undertaken and to 2020-21. 
enable post-baiting monitoring.  Offset funding from the Curtis Island Environmental 
Control of feral animals continues on Curtis Island with Management Precinct and Queensland and Australian 
aerial shooting and ground control removing 49 cattle and government approvals associated with the Liquid Natural 
182 pigs. These control activities enable recovery of the Gas plants made the Curtis and North West activities 
marine plain which supports critically endangered Capricorn possible.
yellow chats and reduces disturbance to vulnerable flatback 
turtles nesting sites, with monitoring showing no nest 
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1980 reef health and impact 
surveys were undertaken 
to help produce a reef wide 
snapshot of the Great Barrier 
Reef’s health
CHECKING FOR CHANGE
The joint program checks for change on islands and in the water to monitor reef and island 
condition and the extent of existing or emerging threats. Checking for change identifies impacts 
from the main threats to the World Heritage Area and enables appropriate management actions 
to be implemented. 
REEF SURVEYS MARINE TURTLE MONITORING 
Field management officers conducted 1980 reef health and In addition to green turtle monitoring at Raine Island the 
impact surveys across 196 reefs in 2019–20, of which 956 Reef Joint Field Management Program leads and supports 
surveys were checking for crown-of-thorns starfish and 108 monitoring at a number of other marine turtle foraging and 
surveys were checking for coral bleaching. nesting sites throughout the World Heritage Area.
They also completed 6549 manta tow surveys to detect In 2019-20 the program provided vessel transport and 
crown-of-thorns starfish across 87 reefs and approximately assistance to colleagues within the Queensland Parks and 
1249 kilometres of reef-margin across the Great Barrier Wildlife Service’s Threatened Species Operations, James 
Reef. When combined with regular localised tourism Cook University researchers and First Nations people 
operator surveys and reactive agency surveys, these field to undertake turtle monitoring and improve knowledge 
management surveys produce a reef wide snapshot of and understanding of priority foraging and nesting sites, 
including at Howick, Milman, Wild Duck, Heron, Wreck 
the Great Barrier Reef’s health. They also support the 
and Peak islands. It has been almost 20 years since turtle 
Reef Blueprint’s recommendation to ramp up crown-of-
monitoring was undertaken at Wild Duck Island and the 
thorns starfish control, including improved surveillance island has become the World Heritage Area’s largest nesting 
and reporting. Funding from the Great Barrier Reef Marine site for vulnerable flatback turtles.
Park Authority’s Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program 
enabled the elevated survey effort. The eastern Australian loggerhead turtle nesting population 
declined from around 3500 females in the 1970s to around 
A qualitative evaluation of the use of reef health and impact 
500 females in 2000. Following the use of turtle exclusion 
surveys by the program was undertaken to inform delivery 
devices in the commercial trawl fisheries there has been a 
of future reef health assessments. The evaluation identified major recovery in loggerhead nesting numbers at mainland 
that the reef health and impacts surveys are a useful tool nesting sites, with nesting numbers now similar to late 
for: situational awareness of reef health; early warning of 1970s and early 1980s numbers. However the same 
impacts such as coral bleaching or disease; and in some recovery has not been observed at island nesting sites, with 
instances for impact assessment such as post bleaching or recovery at Wreck Island, a previous primary breeding site, 
at vessel grounding sites. However, reef health and impact still 87 per cent lower than in the 1970s. 
surveys are not the most suitable tool for determining the 
effectiveness of management actions and where this level of To investigate other factors impacting on island nesting 
assessment is required other methods should be utilised. recovery of endangered loggerhead turtles the program 
is supporting a satellite telemetry tracking study led by 
Subtidal seagrass monitoring was also undertaken at six Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s Threatened 
target sites – Newry, Hinchinbrook and Flinders islands and Species Operations. Twenty satellite tags have been 
Tongue, Bathurst and Lloyd bays. These surveys expand deployed on nesting loggerhead turtles, 18 on turtles 
the Marine Monitoring Program’s geographic assessment of nesting at Wreck Island and two on turtles nesting at Heron 
seagrass condition. Island. One turtle has migrated around 2900 kilometres to 
its foraging area off the Crocodile Islands in the Northern 
Territory – the longest recorded migration of an eastern 
Australian nesting loggerhead turtle. A report will be 
prepared in 2020-21 to inform future management, once all 
satellite tracking information is collected and analysed. 
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Six key biodiversity areas for 
seabirds have been identified 
in the World Heritage Area and 
more areas are being assessed
SEABIRD AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING of Agricultural Sciences. The analysis of trends in World 
The Reef Joint Field Management Program undertook 223 Heritage Area seabird breeding populations indicated that 
of 70 site-by-species combinations – 30 had probable 
bird surveys across 149 locations in 2019–20, the fifth full 
declines, 23 had stable or uncertain trends and 12 had 
year of monitoring under the Coastal Bird Monitoring and 
probable increases. This analysis will inform the five year 
Information Strategy (Seabirds 2015 2020). These surveys review of the Coastal Bird Monitoring and Information 
identified more than 88 different species of seabirds and Strategy (Seabirds 2015–2020) which will commence in 
shorebirds, with some rare and/or new recorded sightings 2020-21 to guide future monitoring. 
for the WHA, including fairy prion, common diving-petrel, 
Arctic jaeger, brown skua and northern giant-petrel. A In collaboration with Birdlife Australia the program has 
record 145 vulnerable red-tailed tropicbird nests were identified six Key Biodiversity Areas for seabirds in the World 
sighted during the winter nesting surveys at Raine Island. Heritage Area which support globally significant numbers 
of nesting or roosting seabirds: Raine Island, Moulter and 
To improve understanding of the migration movements MacLennan cays; Islands off Cape Melville; Michaelmas 
of endangered Herald petrels, data from 13 geolocators Cay; South Barnard Islands; Swain Reefs; and Capricornia 
attached to petrels in 2017-18 and recovered in 2018-19 Cays. Recommendations are underway to have these 
was analysed. The analysis revealed a lot of movement of areas recognised as internationally significant and further 
petrels into the Coral Sea and north of Papua New Guinea, assessments of other areas are underway to determine if 
with some birds travelling over 4000 kilometres east to near they also meet the criteria for Key Biodiversity Areas. 
Fiji and over 3000 kilometres north to near the Mariana Work with James Cook University to identify key seabird 
Trench. Further analysis will improve our understanding foraging sites within the World Heritage Area, was delayed 
of movements and foraging sites during the non-breeding due to COVID-19 and will extend into 2020-21. Once 
season. complete it will enable an assessment of the adequacy of 
An analysis of 40 years of Great Barrier Reef seabird data protection and management of these key foraging sites.
collected by the program was completed in collaboration 
with the University of Queensland and Swedish University 
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The program monitored reef 
conditions closely across the 
second hottest summer on 
record for Queensland
RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS
Field management officers respond to incidents to minimise harm to the World Heritage Area’s 
outstanding universal value, including ship and smaller vessel groundings and sinkings, pollution 
spills, wildfires, pest incursions, stranded marine animals and severe weather events, such as 
flooding. 
MARITIME INCIDENTS REEF HEALTH AWARENESS
In 2019–20, the Reef Joint Field Management Program An annual pre-summer workshop was held in November 
assessed the risks associated with 94 vessel events in the 2019 to assess climate related risks to the Great Barrier Reef 
World Heritage Area. These events had the potential to and the potential for coral bleaching in 2019–20. At the time 
cause environmental damage and included seven spills, 38 of the workshop, the impeding Queensland summer was 
groundings, 15 sinkings and 12 unseaworthy or abandoned forecast to be drier and warmer than average; the monsoon 
vessels. Assessment resulted in six official Order to Remove onset was expected to be delayed; and the cyclone season 
notices, in-field response to 25 incidents and four site was forecast to be below average. At that time the thermal 
assessments of damage. The program removed a wreck stress forecasting tools suggested that moderate severity 
from Bush Island to prevent further damage to the reef and bleaching on a regional scale was likely.
minimise potential impacts on nearby Wild Duck Island which 
Reef conditions were monitored closely, with regular checks 
is a significant nesting site for vulnerable flatback turtles. 
of weather conditions, forecasts, modelling, and reef health 
The program finalised a Great Barrier Reef Incident reports. This situational awareness of reef health, particularly 
Management Framework which provides clear direction for during the high-risk summer months between November 
staff in responding to incidents. While a number of training and April (spanning the wet season) enabled the program to 
courses were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions the keep the Authority, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, 
program supported delivery of oiled wildlife training by partners and the public informed through weekly updates. 
the Department of Environment and Science’s Incident Outside this high-risk period monthly updates were provided. 
Response. Twelve local community members and 
Summer 2019-2020 became the second hottest summer 
Department of Environment and Science wildlife officers were 
on record for Queensland with sea surface temperature 
trained on how to respond and care for oiled wildlife in the 
anomalies in February 2020 the warmest on record for the 
event of an oil spill, an identified gap in response capability. A 
Great Barrier Reef since 1900, at 1.25°C above average. 
second course has been deferred to 2020-21. 
The accumulation of heat stress led to the third mass coral 
Oil spill evidence collection kits and associated manuals are bleaching event in the last five years for the World Heritage 
being updated to ensure they are contemporary and align Area. Unlike the 2016 and 2017 mass bleaching events 
with partner agencies. While there have been COVID-19 when extreme temperatures were mainly concentrated in 
delays with international deliveries, the program will complete the northern part of the World Heritage Area, in 2020 above 
refurbishment of 42 existing kits and have 10 new kits to average sea surface temperatures were observed across the 
expand response capability in 2020-21. full World Heritage Area, resulting in widespread bleaching. 
To support the program’s preparedness staff participated In-water and aerial surveys were undertaken by the 
in various scenarios and exercises during 2019-20. Twelve program to determine extent and severity of the bleaching 
staff participated in Exercise Kremer, a Queensland pollution event. Following these surveys, an Authority staff member 
response preparedness exercise in Mackay. The multi-agency participated in further, more in-depth aerial surveillance with 
exercise demonstrated that program staff have strong the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for 
capability and flexibility which is invaluable in the event of an Coral Reef Studies. Levels of mortality and recovery vary 
incident, areas for improvement were also identified and will and the full impact of this third bleaching event is yet to be 
be advanced in 2020 21. determined. 
Funding from Reef Trust offsets supports the program’s 
response to maritime incidents.
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The program has established 
and emerging arrangements with 
First Nations people to manage 
Land and Sea Country together
WELCOMING PEOPLE
The joint program welcomes people to appreciate, respect and enjoy the World Heritage Area by improving 
community understanding of values and threats, and providing visitor facilities to enable ecologically 
sustainable use. The program welcomes the involvement of industry and the broader community in field 
delivery, and partners with First Nations people to expand our shared capacity to protect and recover reef, 
islands and species.
WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE island visitor facilities and pest control activities. Some Gidarjil 
The program acknowledges the continuing land and sea rangers worked alongside program rangers as full time 
country management and custodianship of the World interns, an excellent opportunity for cross-cultural exchange 
Heritage Area by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First of knowledge and experience. The program is also assisting 
Nations People. Wherever possible the program works with Gidarjil Development Corporation with procurement of their 
First Nations people to manage Land and Sea Country new vessel Guardian Warrior which will enter service in 
together. The program focuses on getting First Nations 2020-21.
people back on country and engaged in land and sea country Girringun Land and Sea Rangers successfully delivered field 
management, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service activities in their sixth year of a works and services agreement 
jointly manage a number of National Parks (Cape York and the program has entered into a work arrangement with 
Peninsula Aboriginal Land) with First Nations people. Yirrganydji rangers to undertake monthly seabird counts 
In 2019–20 there was a three-fold increase in delivering field at Michaelmas Cay. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation took 
activities together with First Nations people in the southern ownership of their new vessel Gunnundali in 2019-20, with 
Great Barrier Reef. First Nations people spent 149 person- the program providing procurement and project management 
days on field management vessels undertaking activities with assistance. 
program staff including examining cultural sites, compliance, Further cultural awareness protocols were established and 
pest control, fire management, seabird monitoring, and documented with First Nations people under Indigenous 
infrastructure maintenance, up from 45 days in 2018-19 and Management Agreements for National Parks (Cape York 
seven in 2017-18. Due to COVID-19 restrictions there was Peninsula Aboriginal Land) and the use of such protocols is 
a decline in the northern Great Barrier Reef from 640 person expanding to other areas. For the first time a cultural protocol 
days in 2018-19 to 345 in 2019-20. Sea time attained by video was developed with the Cape Melville, Flinders and 
Indigenous Rangers aboard program vessels also assists Howick Island Aboriginal Corporation highlighting respectful 
them in attaining their coxswains’ tickets. ways to visit country. A second video is in preparation and 
The program has a number of established and emerging more videos are planned for 2020-21. The protocols and 
arrangements with First Nations people and this will continue videos will ensure program staff are aware of and respect 
to expand. This includes supporting Gidarjil Development First Nations peoples’ traditions and customs when within 
Corporation in delivering their Sea Country Business Strategy their respective Land and Sea Country. The program also 
2019–25, with funding through Reef Trust offsets. The supported the development of several videos promoting 
program delivered a range of activities with Gidarjil rangers, Indigenous rangers and their protection of Sea Country. 
including improvements to North West and Lady Musgrave 
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Field officers talk directly with 
park users while on patrol in 
the World Heritage Area 
COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION AND 62 assisting with weed control. These volunteers expand the 
STEWARDSHIP program’s capacity to deliver field activities across the World 
For many World Heritage Area users, field management Heritage Area. 
officers are the public face of the Australian and Queensland ASSESSMENTS AND PERMITS 
governments’ management of the Great Barrier Reef. 
Communication with park users is a vital part of encouraging The program helped improve the established joint marine 
voluntary compliance and maintaining Reef health. parks assessment and permit framework with new routine 
permits developed for cruise ships and barges and an 
Many people now prefer electronic maps to printed maps expansion to the existing routine permit for tourism and 
when travelling through the marine parks. However, printed charter operations. These routine permits provide a 
zoning maps are still important and 46,400 maps were streamlined assessment and decision making process so that 
printed for distribution to help visitors to the marine parks operators can obtain their permits as quickly as possible and 
understand where they are boating and what’s allowed. staff can direct effort at activities that pose a higher risk to the 
The Reef Joint Field Management Program recorded 2901 marine parks. All applications are now being received online 
public contact moments in 2019–20, a 17 per cent increase and the average processing timeframes continue to improve 
from 2018-19. These are moments where field officers talk with routine permits decisions within 15 business days and 
directly with park users while on patrol in the World Heritage tailored assessments within 39 business days.
Area. Part of these discussions include checking that park In 2019–20, the joint program assessed and made decisions 
users know the rules and have access to zoning information on 316 Commonwealth and Queensland marine parks, 
with 67 per cent of 2434 users having maps available. 25 Queensland marine park and 54 national park permit 
Zoning maps and other material produced by the program, applications, and eight commercial activity agreements, 
such as Protect Your Patch collateral, is distributed by to enable sustainable use of the World Heritage Area. The 
program staff and the Authority’s regional engagement team total number of marine parks permits in effect at the end of 
to community access points and at community and major 2019–20 was 1437 permits comprising 4664 permissions, an 
events such as fishing and boating shows, BCF Club Nights, increase from 1312 permits comprising 4202 permissions in 
fishing competitions and other key community events. 2018-19.
Field management activities have also been promoted on The program is supporting the Queensland Government’s 
social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Great Barrier Reef Island Resort Rejuvenation Program, 
LinkedIn. By using a combination of face-to-face contact, led by the Department of Innovation, Tourism and Industry 
print and social media, the program is reaching many Development. In 2019-20 the program demolished the 
thousands of people to encourage stewardship, improve disused Hinchinbrook Island Resort with funding from the 
their understanding of the World Heritage Area and what’s Island Resort Rejuvenation Program. Eight barge trips 
allowed, and let people know what they can do to help transported 259 tonnes of recycled metal, 44 tonnes of 
protect it. asbestos, 91 tonnes of general waste and 20,100 litres 
The program has a network of over 500 trained marine animal of sewage from the site at Cape Richards. The former 
stranding volunteers, including community groups, individuals lease area has been relinquished back to the national park 
and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers. These volunteers estate and the adjacent esplanade is now closed and will 
responded to 61 per cent of reported marine strandings in be incorporated into the national park. The program also 
2019–20, with many of these responses occurring under assisted with site supervision of resort demolition works at 
COVID-19 modified operating procedures. Hook, Green and South Molle islands.
The program also supported 59 volunteers assisting with 
turtle monitoring, 26 assisting with campground hosting and 
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A new 20 kilometre multi-
use trail network is under 
construction on Curtis Island
EXPANDING VISITOR FACILITIES of Magnetic Island’s walking tracks damaged during the 
Opportunities for Curtis Island visitors are expanding with Townsville floods in February 2019 are underway and will 
completion of a new day use area at Connors Bluff which extend into 2020-21. Funding from the Reef Joint Field 
includes walkways and lookouts that provide outstanding Management Program, the Queensland Government Disaster 
views of Southend Beach and the island’s rugged windswept Recovery Fund, and Queensland Government Growth Area 
headlands. A new 20 kilometre multi-use trail network is and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund are making 
also under construction with stage 1, which commences at these improvements possible.
Connors Bluff and extends along the wind sheared headlands Whitsunday Island’s new 29 kilometre multi-day walking 
complete. Stage 2’s hinterland trails are under construction track the Ngaro Trail is well advanced. The trail will extend 
and will be completed in 2020-21. These new opportunities from Tongue Point to Whitehaven Beach, the World Heritage 
are realised through offset funding from the Curtis Island Area’s two most popular tourism destinations. Construction 
Environmental Management Precinct. commenced in 2018-19 and will be completed in 2020-21. 
Magnetic Island is a popular destination for locals and visitors The route for the new trail has been aligned with Traditional 
to North Queensland. While around 70 per cent of the island Owners as on-site cultural advisors, to minimise potential 
is protected area there are over 2500 permanent residents on impacts on Indigenous heritage values. The Ngaro Trail is one 
the island. The Forts walk is one of the most popular visitor of many new visitor opportunities the program has delivered 
sites on the island and provides visitors with an opportunity since Cyclone Debbie impacted the Whitsundays in March 
to view and learn about the island’s historic Forts complex, 2017, supported by significant additional funding from the 
one of the best examples of such defence fortifications along Queensland and Australian governments. 
the Queensland coastline. In 2019-20 the program undertook In the southern Great Barrier Reef North West and Lady 
restoration works to improve the condition and safety of the Musgrave islands are popular camping and day visitor sites 
historic Forts building, so that future visitors can appreciate for locals and visitors alike. Offset funding for Queensland 
its heritage and the amazing 360 degree views from the top. and Australian government approvals associated with Curtis 
The program is also collaborating with Townsville City Island Liquid Natural Gas projects has enabled the program 
Council to undertake a major redevelopment of the Forts to improve campgrounds, day use areas and fuel storage 
carpark which will improve vehicle parking and bus access areas on the two islands. The improvements have been 
at the congested location, and create a central hub for park delivered together with Gidarjil Land and Sea Rangers and 
information. Planning is well advanced and construction have been designed so that visitors can coexist with nesting 
will commence in 2020-21. Improvements to a number turtles and shearwaters which frequent the islands.
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Aerial patrols are undertaken in 
addition to vessel and land based 
patrols to detect illegal activity and 
encourage voluntary compliance
UPHOLDING COMPLIANCE
Illegal fishing is one of the highest direct risks to the World Heritage Area. During 2019–20 the Reef Joint 
Field Management Program continued to step up its enforcement operations with support from partner 
agencies, including Maritime Border Command, Australian Federal Police, Queensland Boating and Fisheries 
Patrol and Queensland Police. 
COMPLIANCE PATROLS CONSEQUENCES FOR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
In 2019–20, there were 1052 days dedicated to compliance There were 1349 possible offences reported in 2019–20. 
patrols, 20 per cent higher than the 870 day target — 938 Illegal recreational fishing comprised 52 per cent of these 
days on vessels, 16 land-based days and 98 days of offences, similar to the preceding three years. These reported 
chartered flights — to encourage user compliance and offences resulted in 133 infringement notices ($217,476 in 
maintain the integrity of the marine parks zoning plans and fines), 58 caution notices, 402 advisory letters, 30 warning 
World Heritage Area values. This is in addition to surveillance notices and 45 court prosecutions ($114,890 in fines) to 
flights undertaken by Maritime Border Command. For a third provide an effective deterrent to further illegal activity. 
consecutive year, the number of dedicated days remains 
above 900 days. 
TRACKING COMMERCIAL FISHING 
Seventy-eight per cent of the program’s dedicated VESSELS 
compliance days were undertaken during high-risk illegal 
recreational fishing periods, such as weekends, public Under the Queensland Sustainable Fishing Strategy 
holidays, school holidays and good weather periods when 2017‑2027, from 1 January 2020 all commercial fishing 
winds are less than 10 knots, when fishers are more likely to vessels operating in the World Heritage Area are required to 
be in the World Heritage Area. operate vessel tracking units. With the expansion of vessel 
tracking the program now has the ability to closely monitor 
The program supported delivery of the Whitsundays Action 
marine parks zoning activities. This has significantly increased 
Plan in 2019-20. Vessel patrols were increased, Shark Smart 
the number of suspected marine parks offences detected. In 
messaging was communicated and monitoring cameras were 
2019-20 there were five successful court prosecutions from 
installed in a number of bays as part of a marine parks zoning 
incidents detected by vessel tracking; 145 suspected Coral 
education and awareness campaign targeting local and site-
Reef Fin Fishery offences were reported, a significant increase 
specific issues.
from 39 in 2018-19; and a number of suspected offences 
were reported in other fisheries. Regular assessments of the 
compliance threat for commercial fisheries are undertaken 
quarterly and the threat for three fisheries has reduced since 
vessel tracking commenced: sea cucumber collecting; 
crayfish and rock lobster fishing; and demersal line fishing. 
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Protect Your Patch campaigns 
were run in Yeppoon, Gladstone 
and Green Island to encourage 
stewardship and reporting of 
illegal activity 
PROTECT YOUR PATCH to deliver highly visible surveillance in areas adjacent to 
highly populated centres and specific zones vulnerable to 
To combat recreational fishing complacency and negligence, illegal fishing. This resulted in a record number of dedicated 
the program continued with a fourth year of marine parks compliance patrol days and possible offences reported. In 
zoning education and awareness. In 2019–20 three April 2020 dedicated patrols were 30 per cent higher than 
campaigns were held during school holiday periods — at previous years, with 89 days delivered and 97 offences 
Yeppoon during July, in Gladstone during September reported. These in-field patrols were complimented by a 
and at Green Island across Christmas — focused around series of media releases and social media highlighting the 
Protect Your Patch messaging to encourage marine parks planned patrols and detection of illegal activities
users to follow zoning rules and report illegal activity. While 
further campaigns in the second half of 2019-20 were 
deferred due to COVID-19, in June 2020 an Eye on the Reef INDIGENOUS RANGER TRAINING 
education and awareness campaign was delivered. The 
campaign encouraged recreational fishers and boat-owners The Authority entered into a Memorandum of Understanding 
to download and use the app to know what marine parks with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in 
zone they are in, what’s allowed and to report illegal activity. February 2018 to train at least 40 Indigenous rangers in 
Community reporting of illegal activities increased to 67 Certificate IV in Government Investigations by June 2020. 
incident reports in 2019-20, up from 56 reports in 2018-19. In 2019-20 a further 21 Indigenous rangers completed their 
training, bringing the total to 42 rangers trained across two 
years through the Capacity Building for Indigenous Rangers 
COVID-19 INFLUENCE ON RECREATIONAL Strategy. 
FISHING Compliance awareness training was also provided to 111 
In response to the threat posed by COVID-19, in March Traditional Owners and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to 
2020 the Queensland Government closed all non essential raise awareness and encourage reporting of offences. First 
services, quarantined Indigenous communities, closed Nations people are an important part of the joint program’s 
camping areas, and restricted many activities. While compliance network, with over 717 Indigenous rangers and 
this lead to dramatic declines in commercial fishing and Traditional Owners talking with the program’s Indigenous 
tourism activities, it coincided with a sustained period of compliance team about management of their respective Sea 
favourable weather and the traditional high use recreational Country. COVID-19 restrictions had a significant impact on 
fishing periods of Easter, ANZAC day school holidays. As the program’s ability to meet in-person and undertake in-field 
recreational fishing was allowed to continue during this time, activities with Indigenous Rangers and First Nations people. 
these unique circumstances resulted in an unprecedented Funding provided through the Australian Government’s 
increase in recreational fishing in the World Heritage Area. Capacity Building for Indigenous Rangers Strategy made this 
In response, the program tailored compliance activities training possible. 
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There are now 155 program 
funded staff delivering field 
activities across the World 
Heritage Area 
PROGRAM INPUTS
Delivery of field management activities relies on a skilled workforce, operational and appropriately located 
management infrastructure, a fit-for-purpose and well-maintained vessel fleet, technological advances, good 
systems and strong governance. 
VESSEL FLEET TECHNOLOGY
Field management vessels spent 1716 days at sea during The joint program continues to explore and deliver technology 
2019–20, a 15 per cent increase from 1481 days in 2016-17 improvements to enable more efficient and effective 
before expansion commenced. The 24-metre vessel Reef monitoring and reporting. In 2019-20 field staff captured 
Ranger spent 204 days at sea in its sixth year of operation, 1455 trips, 2906 activities and 6946 events on the program’s 
less than the planned 263 days due to COVID-19 restrictions. Field Reporting System, an electronic system that records 
details of field management trips. 
With further delays in delivery of the program’s new 24 metre 
vessel Reef Resilience in 2019-20, the program utilised Monitoring the number of turtles at Raine Island has 
alternative platforms to deliver field activities, including previously been a challenging and time-consuming task 
other program vessels, charter vessels and helicopters. The to obtain accurate information. The Reef Joint Field 
original contract for construction has been settled and a new Management Program has been collaborating with the 
contract entered into with an alternative builder, with delivery Queensland University of Technology and the Department of 
of Reef Resilience scheduled for February 2021. Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to develop automated 
image analysis for turtles and seabirds using drone footage. 
Construction has commenced on a new 17 metre patrol 
Automated analysis for turtles has been successfully 
vessel to replace Tamoya in the Whitsundays, with the 
achieved and a scientific paper has been published on 
vessel scheduled to enter service in July 2021. Reef Scout, 
the use of this more efficient and effective technique for 
a new 6.2 metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat used to deliver 
population estimation. Work continues to automate analysis 
compliance patrols from Reef Ranger entered service in 
for seabirds. Use of these methods for monitoring turtles and 
February 2020, replacing Darter II.
seabirds will extend to other sites across the World Heritage 
Area and enable more efficient and effective collection of 
WORKFORCE information to inform management. The program is working 
with the Queensland University of Technology to identify other 
Expansion of the program in 2019–20 has seen a further nine new technologies that will enable more efficient and effective 
per cent increase in the number of field management funded delivery of field activities. 
staff, up from 142 to 155 staff, with further recruitment to 
new positions to progress in 2020-21. 
Well-trained staff are essential to the delivery of an effective, 
efficient and safe Reef Joint Field Management Program. 
Seventy-eight staff received training across 17 different 
courses in 2019–20, including the tenth iteration of the highly 
successful Field Management Foundation course, which 
was first launched in 2014 and has now trained 185 people. 
COVID-19 restrictions had a significant impact on the delivery 
of training courses in 2019-20 with a number of courses 
deferred to 2020-21, including another Foundation course.
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Green turtles congregate 
in the waters around Raine 
Island during nesting season
RESULTS AGAINST PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance indicators highlight the program’s achievements against the Reef Joint Field 
Management Program Annual Business Plan 2019–20, which the Director-General of the 
Department of Environment and Science and the Chief Executive Officer of the Great Barrier 
Reef Marine Park Authority jointly approved.
With the introduction of a new style of Annual Business Plan in 2018–19, the program refined and improved how success 
will be evaluated through the use of performance indicators. The program has a high standard of performance and — in 
acknowledging the need to increase field delivery across the World Heritage Area — set challenging targets for delivery in 
2018–19 and this continued in 2019-20.
In 2019–20, the program had 35 challenging performance indicator targets of which 25 (72 per cent) were achieved; six 
(17 per cent) were not achieved, but demonstrated significant progress; and four (11 per cent) were not achieved or had no 
significant progress. As illustrated below this is a significant improvement on 2018-19 when the new performance indicators 
were introduced. Despite COVID-19 impacts on delivery the program’s expansion has enabled noticeable improvements 
in delivery, with an increase in performance targets achieved and corresponding reductions in targets not achieved or with 
significant progress. The following table provides further information on why individual performance indicator targets have not 
been fully achieved.
20
9–
20
100
17% 80
60
11% 40
72% 20
0
Figure 1: Percentage of performance against indicator Figure 2: Program performance over eight years.
targets 2019–20.
16  |   REEF JOINT FIELD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM   |   ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY 2019–20
201
2019–20
2018–19
2017–18
2016–17
2015–16
2014–15
2013–14
2012–13
page
17
PERFORMANCE 
INDICATOR RESULTS 2019–20
100 per cent of the 2019 regional priority burns that the program was 
the responsible land manager for were completed (five burns). 
90 PER CENT OF THE REGIONAL The program also provides assistance with fire management of the 
PRIORITY BURN PROGRAM Curtis Island Environmental Management Precinct Protection Zone, 
DELIVERED which is the responsibility of the Curtis Island Liquid Natural Gas plant 
operators. One burn planned for this area in 2019 was not completed, 
however the program will assist with this burn during the 2020 fire 
season.
100 per cent of the 2019 Protection Zone burns that the program was 
90 PER CENT OF SCHEDULED the responsible land manager for were completed (two burns). 
PROTECTION ZONE FUEL The program is responsible for an area adjacent to the above 
MANAGEMENT TREATMENT mentioned Curtis Island Environmental Management Precinct 
DELIVERED Protection Zone and will undertake mitigation works there during the 
2020 fire season.
40 PER CENT OF CONSERVATION 
ZONES ARE WITHIN BURN 51 per cent of Conservation Zones are within burn prescription. 
PRESCRIPTION 
90 per cent of strategic pest projects delivered (nine projects). While a 
review of pig control on Hinchinbrook Island was undertaken to identify 
90 PER CENT OF THE STRATEGIC priorities, COVID-19 prevented control activities from progressing as 
PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM planned. Eradication of mice from North West Island commenced late 
DELIVERED in 2019-20 following approval to use an off label pesticide and will 
continue in 2020-21.
75 FIELD DAYS SPENT 75 field days were spent delivering recovery activities with Traditional 
DELIVERING RAINE ISLAND Owners across nine trips despite a further April 2020 trip being 
RECOVERY PROJECT ACTIVITIES cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. 
WITH TRADITIONAL OWNERS
DELIVER THE THIRD SAND 
REPROFILING WORKS AT RAINE The program delivered its third sand reprofiling at Raine Island, moving 
ISLAND TO MOVE AROUND around 15,000 cubic metres of sand. Viable nesting habitat has now 
12,000 CUBIC METRES OF doubled across three sand reprofiling operations between 2014 and 
SAND TO CREATE FURTHER 2019 which have moved around 40,000 cubic metres of sand.
VIABLE NESTING BEACH ABOVE 
INUNDATION LEVEL
Value and level of service assessment reports were completed for 10 
protected areas: Raine Island and Capricornia Cays national parks 
COMPLETE VALUE AND LEVEL scientific; Capricornia Cays National Park; and Lizard, Posession, 
OF SERVICE ASSESSMENTS FOR Whitsundays, Gloucester, Lindeman, Molle and Repulse island national 
SIX ISLAND NATIONAL PARKS parks. 
OR COMMONWEALTH ISLANDS The Raine Island report has been approved with the endorsement of 
First Nations people, the others have been approved as interim reports 
until First Nations peoples’ endorsement is obtained. 
100 PER CENT OF MOORINGS 
AND REEF PROTECTION 
MARKERS (RPMS) ARE 100 per cent of 279 moorings and 269 reef protection markers were 
INSPECTED AND REGULARLY inspected at the required intervals. 
MAINTAINED – MOORINGS AT 
FOUR MONTHLY INTERVALS AND 
RPMS ANNUALLY
17  |   REEF JOINT FIELD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM   |   ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY 2019–20
DELIVERING CONSERVATION ACTIONS
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18
PERFORMANCE 
INDICATOR RESULTS 2019–20
COMMENCE DELIVERY OF Delivery of the report’s actions has commenced to fill legislative gaps 
ACTIONS IDENTIFIED THROUGH in protection including: publishing restricted access area notices for 
THE REPORT ON THE PROGRESS Mast Head and Erskine islands on the Department of Environment 
OF BA11 IN THE REEF 2050 LONG and Science website; installing a restricted access area sign at Sisters 
TERM SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Island; and recommending additional islands for inclusion in the Nature 
TO PROTECT AND MANAGE Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulations schedule of 
SEABIRD BREEDING SITES minimum aircraft flying heights.
100 PER CENT OF NATIONAL 
PARK (CAPE YORK PENINSULA 100 per cent of meetings held were attended. Some meetings were 
ABORIGINAL LAND (NP(CYPAL)) postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions and sorry business.
MEETINGS ATTENDED
90 PER CENT OF TRADITIONAL 
USE OF MARINE RESOURCE 100 per cent of meetings that the program was invited to were 
AGREEMENT (TUMRA) MEETINGS attended. The program is not invited to all TUMRA meetings held.
ATTENDED
HISTORIC HERITAGE 
INSPECTIONS UNDERTAKEN 
OF COMMONWEALTH ISLANDS Inspections were completed on Magnetic, Raine, Dent and Lady Elliot 
(DENT AND LADY ELLIOT islands, Low Isles, and Cape Capricorn (Curtis Island). The inspection 
ISLANDS AND LOW ISLES) on Percy island was deferred due to COVID–19 restrictions and is 
AND ISLAND NATIONAL PARKS scheduled to be completed in August 2020.
(RAINE, MAGNETIC, PERCY AND 
CURTIS ISLANDS)
1980 Reef Health Impact Surveys were completed across 196 reefs, 
620 REEF HEALTH AND IMPACT elevated above the target by 956 crown-of-thorns starfish related RHIS 
SURVEYS (RHIS) DELIVERED and 108 coral bleaching related RHIS.
75 REEFS SURVEYED FOR 87 reefs were surveyed.
CROWN- OF-THORNS STARFISH
ICONIC AND PRIORITY ISLANDS Health checks were undertaken on all priority parks, being 
HAVE ANNUAL HEALTH Hinchinbrook, Whitsunday and Capricornia Cays island national parks 
CHECKS UNDERTAKEN (BEING and Capricornia Cays National Park Scientific. However, scheduled 
HINCHINBROOK, WHITSUNDAYS health checks for some key values on Hinchinbrook and Whitsunday 
AND CAPRICORNIA CAYS islands were deferred due to COVID-19 restrictions on program 
ISLANDS) activities. Health checks were also undertaken on Curtis Island.
91 per cent of seabird surveys were completed in the fifth year of 
monitoring, up from 60 per cent in 2018-19.
90 PER CENT OF THE SEABIRD 83 per cent of shorebird surveys were completed in the second year of 
AND SHOREBIRD MONITORING reporting for shorebirds, up from 60 per cent in 2018-19. 
PROGRAM DELIVERED
Poor weather, competing demands, delays in delivery of Reef 
Resilience and COVID-19 restrictions impeded delivery of surveys.
80 ISLAND WATCH SURVEYS 96 Island Watch surveys completed, including 23 islands not previously 
COMPLETED surveyed.
100 PER CENT OF MARITIME 
INCIDENTS THAT OCCUR 100 per cent of 94 events reported to the program were assessed and 
ARE RISK ASSESSED AND responded to accordingly.
RESPONDED TO ACCORDINGLY
80 PER CENT OF MARITIME 80 per cent of incidents (four of five) requiring a site assessment of 
INCIDENTS REQUIRING A SITE damage had assessments undertaken. A site assessment of damage 
ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGE ARE was not possible for the fifth incident as the exact location of the 
UNDERTAKEN grounding site was unable to be determined.
18  |   REEF JOINT FIELD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM   |   ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY 2019–20
RESPONDING 
CHECKING FOR CHANGE DELIVERING CONSERVATION ACTIONS
TO INCIDENTS
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19
PERFORMANCE 
INDICATOR RESULTS 2019–20
MEET SERVICE LEVEL 
STANDARDS FOR MARINE PARK 
PERMISSIONS IN ACCORDANCE Service level standards were met in accordance with the Permission 
WITH THE PERMISSION SERVICE Service Charter. The average time for decisions was 15 business 
CHARTER – 25 BUSINESS DAYS days for routine assessments and 39 business days for tailored 
FOR ROUTINE ASSESSMENTS assessments.
AND 50 BUSINESS DAYS FOR 
TAILORED ASSESSMENTS 
60 PER CENT OF MARINE 
STRANDINGS REQUIRING 
RESPONSE ARE ATTENDED 61 per cent of strandings (142 of 234) reported were attended by 
TO BY TRAINED COMMUNITY trained community volunteers or Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers.
VOLUNTEERS OR INDIGENOUS 
LAND AND SEA RANGERS 
10 PER CENT OF VESSEL TRIPS 8.5 per cent of vessel trips included a Traditional Owner or Indigenous 
INCLUDE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE Land and Sea Ranger. COVID-19 restrictions had a significant impact 
OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER on the program’s delivery of activities with First Nations people.
PEOPLE 
2500 PUBLIC CONTACT 
EVENTS WHERE FIELD STAFF 2901 events (comprising 2434 public contact, 120 permit checks, 323 
incidents, and 24 caution notices events) were recorded where field staff 
ARE TALKING DIRECTLY WITH were talking directly with World Heritage Area users.
WORLD HERITATE AREA USERS
100 PER CENT OF 
PROGRAMMED CRITICAL AND 
100 per cent of programmed critical and statutory infrastructure 
STATUTORY INFRASTRUCTURE 
maintenance tasks completed.
MAINTENANCE TASKS 
COMPLETED 
870 DEDICATED COMPLIANCE 1052 dedicated compliance days delivered (938 vessel, 16 land based 
DAYS and 98 aerial), 20 per cent above the 870 day target.
78 per cent of dedicated compliance days undertaken on weekends, 
50 PER CENT OF DEDICATED public holidays, school holidays, good weather periods when winds are 
COMPLIANCE DAYS less than 10 knots, and at nighttime. 
UNDERTAKEN DURING HIGH 
RISK ILLEGAL RECREATIONAL Note: this differs from 41% mentioned in the Authority’s Annual Report 
FISHING PERIODS 2019-20 which included just those days where winds were less than 10 
knots. 
TEN PER CENT OF DEDICATED Four per cent of dedicated compliance days (41 of 1052 days) were 
COMPLIANCE DAYS INCLUDE delivered with Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers. COVID-19 restrictions 
INDIGENOUS LAND AND SEA had a significant impact on delivery of activities with Indigenous Land 
RANGERS  and Sea Rangers.
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UPHOLDING COMPLIANCE WELCOMING PEOPLE
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20
PERFORMANCE 
INDICATOR RESULTS 2019–20
One per cent of compliance reports were submitted by Indigenous Land 
and Sea Rangers. 
This performance measure will be reviewed as it does not reflect the 
contribution Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers have in upholding 
FIVE PER CENT OF COMPLIANCE compliance in the World Heritage Area. Those Indigenous Land and 
REPORTS SUBMITTED BY Sea Rangers who have received training and are marine park inspectors 
INDIGENOUS LAND AND SEA work in a variety of positions within the Reef Joint Field Management 
RANGERS Program and Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers Program and apply their 
traditional knowledge to World Heritage Area compliance.
However, many tend to operate in more remote areas where there are 
lower levels of use and illegal activity.  
60 PER CENT OF ON WATER 67 per cent of 2434 public contact events recorded in the program’s 
VISITORS HAVE ZONING electronic Field Reporting System had readily accessible zoning 
MAPS AVAILABLE (PRINT OR information – 52 per cent through electronic chart plotters, 31 per cent 
ELECTRONIC) through printed maps and 7 per cent through the Eye on the Reef app.
ANNUAL TRAINING PROGRAM The annual training program was developed however COVID-19 
DEVELOPED AND DELIVERED restrictions significantly affected delivery of planned training courses.
15 PER CENT OF PROGRAM 10 per cent of program staff (16 of 155 staff) have been trained 
STAFF HAVE RECEIVED within the past three years. The program was on target, with training 
TRAINING IN SITE ASSESSMENT scheduled for May 2020, however training was deferred due to 
OF DAMAGE WITHIN THE PAST COVID-19 restrictions.
THREE YEARS
The program had one fatality and eight lost time injuries. There was a 
total of 121 days lost time (one Authority staff member with two days 
lost time and seven Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff with 
NO LOST TIME INJURIES 119 days lost time). Promoting a safe work culture is a high priority for 
the program and new position will commence in 2020-21 to provide 
additional support.
FIVE YEAR VESSEL Vessel replacement program reviewed and updates incorporated into 
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM the Reef Joint Field Management Program Business Strategy 2020 to 
IMPLEMENTED 2024.
1761 total days at sea delivered aboard program vessels, seven per 
1600 TOTAL DAYS AT SEA cent above the 1600-day target and a further increase from 1716 days 
in 2018-19.
EXPENDITURE IS WITHIN Expenditure was within 1.3 per cent of budget allocation with delays in 
ONE PER CENT OF BUDGET planned expenditure due to COVID-19. This is a significant improvement 
ALLOCATION from eight per cent in 2018-19. 
20  |   REEF JOINT FIELD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM   |   ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY 2019–20
PROGRAM INPUTS UPHOLDING COMPLIANCE
Further information  
about the Reef Joint Field 
Management Program
 info@gbrmpa.gov.au 
 www.gbrmpa.gov.au
 www.des.qld.gov.au
© Commonwealth of 
Australia (GBRMPA) 
and State of Queensland 
(QPWS) 2020: 
2020-0504
ISSN 2207-3183