Annual Report 1999 -2000 NOT FOR GREAT BARRIER REEF LOAN MARINE PARK AUTHORITY Annual Report MIIIINIMIMMIIIIMI11•11111112211111W11111gaa GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY © Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2000 ISSN 0155-8072 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority PO Box 1379 Townsville Qld 4810 Telephone: (07) 4750 0700 Facsimile: (07) 4772 6093 Web: http:/ /www.gbrmpa.gov.au e-mail: registry@gbrmpa.gov.au Q reef HO The world's best living reef experience Reef Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Further information The 1999-2000 Annual Report is accessible on the Authority's web site. The site also includes supplementary information including a list of staff papers and Authority publications produced during the year. A detailed list of membership of relevant external committees can also be found under www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/ For further information about GBRMPA please contact the Director, Information Support Group (contact details as above). Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority PO Box 1379 Townsville QLD 4810 22 September 2000 Senator the Hon Robert Hill Minister for the Environment and Heritage Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister In accordance with section 9 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, I submit the Annual Report of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for the year ended 30 June 2000. Yours sincerely Hon Virginia Chadwick Chair Page iii 145°E PAPUA 1-50°E NEW Port Moresby' GUINEA 10°S- ThurSclayl. 0' 10°41'S Island 145°00'E Bamaga FAR NORTHERN SECTION r, (Area: 85 050 sq km) Lockhart River 13°00'S 145°00'E GREAT BARRIER REEF Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (Area: 347 800 sq km) - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Area: 339 750 sq km) 15°00'S 15°S- 146°00'E Cooktown CAIRNS SECTION (Area: 35 500 sq km) CORAL SEA Port Douglas Cairns 17°30'S Innisfail• 147°00'E Tully• CENTRAL SECTION (Area: 75 850 sq km) Ingham • Townsville Ay • 0, —20°S Bowe 20'S — Proserpine • 21°00'S Mackay 152°55TE QUEENSLAND GUM00 WOOJABUDDEE SECTION MACKAY / CAPRICORN (Area 350 sq km) SECTION Yeppoon Tropic of Capricorn (23°26.5'S) *, (Area: 143 000 sq km) Rockhampton k\ Gladstone 24°30'S Bundaberg • 154°00'E 25.s _ —25°S Hervey Bay 0 100 200 300 400 Nambour • Kilometres BRA Q201 1998 1,7E 1TE As specified in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the Authority is responsible for the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Authority also acts as the lead Commonwealth agency for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Property issues. The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area extends from the top of Cape York to just north of Fraser Island, and from the low water mark on the Queensland coast to beyond the edge of the continental shelf. The World Heritage Area is 347 800 square kilometres in area and includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (97.7% of the World Heritage Area), Queensland waters not in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (1.7%), and Queensland-owned islands (0.6%). It is important to note that not all of the World Heritage Area is in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In some places the coastal boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is five nautical miles from the low water mark on the mainland. Page iv REPORT OF OPERATIONS 1 Message from the Chair 2 The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 4 Enabling Legislation 4 The Minister 4 Goal and Aims 5 Membership of the Marine Park Authority 6 Qualifications of Marine Park Authority Members 6 Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 7 Audit Committee of the Authority 7 State of Affairs of the Authority 8 Offices of GBRM PA 8 Review and Restructure 9 Service Charter 10 Executive Group 10 Subsidiaries 10 Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council 11 Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee 11 Executive Operations 13 Executive 13 Legal Services 16 Ministerial and Parliamentary Liaison 18 Media and Public Affairs 19 Key Issues for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area 20 Tourism and Recreation 20 Fisheries 25 Water Quality and Coastal Development 34 Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage 38 Service Groups 47 Program Delivery 47 Information Support 52 Corporate Services 59 Page v Day-to-day Management Program 65 Reef HQ 71 Financial Report Summary 75 APPENDICES 77 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, sections 5, 6, 7 and 7A 78 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Audit Committee 82 Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee 83 Corporate Information 85 Abbreviations 90 Compliance Index 91 Financial Statements 92 Report of the Auditor-General 133 INDEX 135 Page vi Report of Operations Message This Annual Report marks the 25th birthday of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. In the quarter century of its existence, GBRMPA has established a national and international reputation as a leader in tropical marine management. The Authority's fundamental obligation is to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the World Heritage Area. Guided by the principle of balancing conservation and wise use, the Authority has created a framework which allows for reasonable human use and ensures the healthy survival of important tropical marine ecosystems. It was with great pleasure that I joined GBRMPA as Chair and Chief Executive Officer this year. The Authority also welcomed a new Executive Director, Gregor Manson, who replaced Richard Kenchington in March 2000. Together with our other Executive Director, John Tanzer, we look forward to guiding the agency focussing on five key values: Relevance, Direction, Leadership, People Focus and Partnership. In 1998, GBRMPA was restructured. Four critical issues groups were established: Fisheries; Tourism and Recreation; Water Quality and Coastal Development; and Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage. These are aided by support groups: Program Delivery (Planning; Environmental Impact Assessment; and Indigenous Cultural Liaison), Corporate Services, Legal Services, and Information Support (Research and Monitoring Coordination; Information Coordination and Analysis; Library; and Information Technology). The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, which was repositioned as Reef HQ in August 1999, plays an important role in presenting and promoting an understanding of the reef and its management. The Authority's educational role will be further strengthened by the formation of the Communication and Education Group in 2000. This is the second year of operation for the new organisational structure, which has proven to be successful. The enthusiasm of the Senior Management Team continues to drive the development of a collective approach to issues and the organisation's programs as a whole. To ensure clear, internal reporting lines and accountability, a three-year rolling strategic work program has been developed. This program reflects the Authority's priorities and states broad outcomes, objectives and strategies: outputs, performance indicators and resources have been identified for each area. The process of strategic planning was advanced further during the year by executive workshops. 111111111111111111111111111111Mil 1111111111111M1111111111111111111M11111M1111/11MILIMED1111111111111 Page 2 Key issues for GBRMPA continue to be the management of a large and expanding reef- based tourist industry, commercial and recreational fishing pressures and problems relating to shipping, urban growth, coastal development, threatened species and the downstream effects of land use. The cumulative impacts of all of these issues place critical pressure on the World Heritage Area. Management responses to these pressures in the last year include specific programs aimed at: Maintaining biodiversity and World Heritage values through the conservation of threatened and endangered species and moving towards the protection of representative areas of important habitat; Ensuring ecologically sustainable industries (especially fishing and tourism); and Managing land-based sources of marine pollutants, particularly from aquaculture. The Authority's day-to-day tasks involve many stakeholders. To ensure that the policy development and strategic direction of each of the critical issues groups are developed in consultation with these stakeholders, four Reef Advisory Committees (RACs) have been established. Already the RACs are proving to be a very effective means of involving stakeholders in management. Additionally, nine Local Marine Advisory Committees (LMACs) operate in regional centres adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park between Cooktown and Gladstone. The LMACs advise the Authority on issues which affect the local and regional marine and coastal environments. The next few years will present significant and exciting challenges for GBRMPA. We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders, user groups, other government agencies and local communities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Authority for their dedication and commitment during a period of considerable change. They have worked with enthusiasm throughout the year to achieve the agency's goal of providing for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of this exceptional natural resource. Hon Virginia Chadwick Chair WILI010111UttlialtillasiteillIMPISAMMANDIIII Page 3 The Grep[ Barrier Reef • Marine Park Autho The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is the principal adviser to the Commonwealth Government on the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enabling Legislation The Authority is established under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 ('the Act') as a Commonwealth statutory authority. The objects of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 are set out in section 5 of the Act and specific functions of the Authority are defined in sections 7 and 7A. These provisions of the Act are set out in Appendix A. Section 7 includes a requirement that the Authority perform its functions '...in accordance with any general directions given by the Minister not inconsistent with this Act'. Regulations in force under the Act are the: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983; Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Prohibition of Drilling for Petroleum) Repeal Regulations 1999; Great Barrier Reef Region (Prohibition of Mining) Regulations 1999; and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Aquaculture) Regulations 2000. The Authority is also subject to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. Section 28 of that Act requires members of the Marine Park Authority to ensure that policies of the Commonwealth Government notified to them in writing by the Minister are carried out in relation to the Authority. On 27 June 2000 the Minister for Finance and Administration issued the Finance Minister's (A New Tax System) Directions 2000 to commence on 1 July 2000. The Directions are made to give effect to the Parliament's intention in relation to the application to the Commonwealth and Commonwealth entities of legislation under A New Tax System. The Minister During 1999-2000, Senator the Hon Robert Hill held portfolio responsibility for the Authority as Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Ammuumutataismi Page 4 Goal and Aims The Authority's goal is to provide for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef in perpetuity through the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Authority's goal is inclusive, encompassing a wide range of outputs. However, implicit in the goal is the primary obligation to ensure conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. All other activities are dependent on this over-riding responsibility. The Authority's aims are subordinate to the primary goal and must be read in conjunction with it and with each other. To protect the natural qualities of the Great Barrier Reef, while providing for reasonable use of the Reef Region. To involve the community meaningfully in the care and development of the Marine Park. To achieve competence and fairness in the care and development of the Marine Park through the conduct of research, and the deliberate acquisition, use and dissemination of relevant information from research and other sources. To provide for economic development consistent with meeting the goal and other aims of the Authority. To achieve integrated management of the Great Barrier Reef through active leadership and through constantly seeking improvements in coordinated management. To achieve management of the Marine Park primarily through the community's commitment to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and its understanding and acceptance of the provisions of zoning, regulations and management practices. To provide recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional affiliations and rights in management of the Marine Park. To minimise costs of caring for and developing the Marine Park consistent with meeting the goal and other aims of the Authority. To minimise regulation of, and interference in, human activities, consistent with meeting the goal and other aims of the Authority. To achieve its goal and other aims by employing people of high calibre, assisting them to reach their full potential, providing a rewarding, useful and caring work environment, and encouraging them to pursue relevant training and development opportunities. To make the Authority's expertise available nationally and internationally. To adapt actively the Marine Park and the operations of the Authority to changing circumstances. Page S Membership of the Marine Park Authority The Marine Park Authority consists of a full-time Chairperson and three part-time members. One of the part-time members is nominated by the Queensland Government. The Act provides for one of the part-time members to be appointed to represent the interests of Aboriginal communities adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The members of the Marine Park Authority during the financial year were: Hon Virginia Chadwick (full-time Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer from 19 July 1999) Mr John Lyons (part-time member) Dr Evelyn Scott (part-time member until 16 June 2000 and acting part-time member for 12 week period commencing 17 June 2000) Dr Glyn Davis (part-time member). Qualifications of Marine Park Authority Members Hon Virginia Chadwick was appointed as Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in July 1999. She trained as a teacher and worked in Australia and the United Kingdom in both the school and TAFE system. She entered the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1978 and served as Opposition Whip and Shadow Minister of various portfolios. Her Ministerial responsibilities have included Community Services, Education, TAFE, Training and Tourism. She was also the Minister assisting the Premier on Ethnic Affairs, Women and the Aged and chaired the GTE Reform Group. She has also served as President of the Legislative Council. Mr John Lyons is a Chartered Accountant who has been in private practice in Townsville since 1977. He is currently Honorary Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Advisory Board, the Museum of Tropical Queensland Board of Management and Honorary President of James Cook University Alumni Association. He holds a Bachelor of Economics, James Cook University of North Queensland and is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, the Taxation Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Dr Evelyn Scott is the current Chairperson of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. She played an instrumental role in the establishment of Aboriginal Legal Services, Housing Societies and Medical Services in Queensland. In 1977 she was a recipient of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal for her work in the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In April 2000, Mrs Scott was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from the Australian Catholic University for her work in the advancement of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the advancement of Women and her tireless work for Reconciliation. 111111111•111111111111101310111.111:011111111411111111111112111174 MUIR Page 6 Hon Virginia Chadwick — Mr John Lyons — Dr Evelyn Scott — Dr Glyn Davis — (full-time Chairperson and part-time member part-time member part-time member Chief Executive Officer from 19 July 1999) Dr Glyn Davis is Director-General, Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and Executive Director and Director-General of the Office of the Cabinet. He is also Professor in Politics and Public Policy and an Australian Research Council Fellow at Griffith University, Brisbane. He holds a first Class Honours degree in Political Science from University of New South Wales and a Doctorate from the Australian National University. During 1999-2000, the Marine Park Authority held five meetings, one of which was by telephone link-up. Meeting Date Location Attendance MPA 176 27 August 1999 Townsville Virginia Chadwick, John Lyons, Evelyn Scott, Glyn Davis MPA 177 27 October 1999 Brisbane Virginia Chadwick, John Lyons, Glyn Davis MPA 178 7 February 2000 Telephone Link-up Virginia Chadwick, Glyn Davis, Evelyn Scott MPA 179 16 March 2000 Townsville Virginia Chadwick, Glyn Davis, Evelyn Scott MPA 180 13-14 June 2000 Hinchinbrook Island Virginia Chadwick, Glyn Davis, Evelyn Scott Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 From July 1998 GBRMPA was included in the new Commonwealth Insurable Risk Managed Fund known as Comcover. The Authority applied for Directors and Officers Liability Insurance cover through Comcover from 1 October 1998 to the extent allowed under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. The cover is for the Chair, Members of the Marine Park Authority and members of the Senior Management Team. The policy prohibits disclosure of the nature and limits of liability and the amount of member contribution. Audit Committee of the Authority Section 32 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act requires the directors of the Authority to establish and maintain an audit committee. The Authority manzturamitaatimannummiffirmina Page 7 established such a committee in September 1997. The following persons were members as at 30 June 2000. Mr Matt Pope, chairperson, a practising Townsville barrister, Mr Barry Sheedy, member, an accountant practising in Mackay, Dr Glyn Davis, member, a permanent part-time member of the Marine Park Authority, Mr John Tanzer, member, an Executive Director on the Authority's staff. During 1999-2000, the Audit Committee held four meetings. Meeting Date Location Attendance AC 9 5 July 1999 Townsville Matt Pope, Barry Sheedy, John Tanzer AC 10 7 September 1999 Townsville Matt Pope, Barry Sheedy, John Tanzer AC 11 13 January 2000 Townsville Matt Pope, Barry Sheedy, John Tanzer AC 12 30 May 2000 Townsville Matt Pope, Barry Sheedy Functions of the Committee are set out in Appendix B. Business activities of the audit committee concerned: Annual financial statements; Environmental Management Charge; Day-to-day management funding arrangements; Surveillance and enforcement funding arrangements; Reef HQ funding arrangements; and Internal audit reports: Audit Victoria; Pacific Bridge Pty Ltd. State of Affairs of the Authority Since June 1999, there have been no developments that have significantly affected or may significantly affect: the Authority's operations in future financial years; the results of those operations in future years; or the Authority's state of affairs in future financial years. Offices of GBRMPA GBRMPA has its principal office in Townsville. Two Authority staff engaged in essential liaison tasks are located with Environment Australia in Canberra. Staff (including the Townsville office, the staff of Reef HQ and the two located with Environment Australia) numbered 158 at 30 June 2000. There was a total of 134 ongoing employees and 24 non-ongoing employees (see Appendix D). Page 8 Operational centres for day-to-day management of the Marine Park (undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) are at Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. Also, there are bases at Port Douglas, Dungeness, Airlie Beach, Rosslyn Bay and Gladstone. Review and Restructure On 1 July 1998, GBRMPA was restructured to provide a tighter focus for the organisation and emphasis has been placed on clear, internal reporting lines and accountability. Four Critical Issues Groups and four service groups were created (see Figure 1). Chair (CEO) Media & Public Ministerial & Affairs Parliamentary Liaison Executive Director Executive Director Legal Services Unit Communication & Education CRITICAL ISSUES Day-to-Day (including Reef HQ) GROUPS Management Coordination Unit Information Tourism & Support Group Fisheries Recreation Corporate Services Water Quality Conservation, & Coastal Program Delivery Biodiversity & Development Group World Heritage Figure 1. Operational structure to April 2000 Following a review of GBRMPA's communication and education needs in 1999, the Public Information and Production Unit, the Media and Public Affairs Unit and Reef HQ were consolidated into the Communication and Education Group (see Figure 2). Director Communication & Education Communication Marketing Reef HQ Manager Manager Manager Education Operations Product Development Advertising & Management Media & Public & Sales Promotion Relations Information/ Curatorial Publications Figure 2. Structure of the Communication and Education Group Page 9 The functions of this group are to: create awareness and enhance understanding of GBRMPA's role in providing for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef; increase awareness of GBRMPA's educational messages through Reef HQ; increase awareness of GBRMPA's management and policy work nationally and internationally in line with the Authority's aim of extending its expertise; and establish a formal benchmark of GBRMPA's communication performance and measurement tools to evaluate progress. Service Charter In 1999 the GBRMPA Service Charter was produced. The document, effective from November 1999, outlines the Authority's goal, aims, customers and commitments to these customers. It also provides a form for customers comments on the Authority's service. Executive Group The executive group of GBRMPA assists and advises the Chair in carrying out the functions of the Authority and provides a forum for discussing and coordinating programs, recommending priorities and direction, and reviewing program performance. A major consequence of the 1998 restructure was the re-shaping of the group into a Senior Management Team (SMT), comprising the Chair, Executive Directors and Directors. The two Executive Directors have been designated as secretaries to the Authority. Both are based in Townsville. Executive support is provided for the Chair and the Executive Directors by their respective Executive Assistants. The Secretariat (now part of the Corporate Services Group) provides support for the Marine Park Authority, its Audit Committee, the Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee and the Environmental Research Ethics Advisory Committee. In addition, the Secretariat provides support to the four Reef Advisory Committees attached to the Critical Issues Groups. Subsidiaries GBRMPA is a joint-venture partner in the CRC Reef Research Centre and in INTROMARC. It has no subsidiaries. However, certain functions are carried out in conjunction with other Queensland and Commonwealth organisations, including the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (QEPA) which, through its Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), has joint responsibility for day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park subject to GBRMPA guidelines. Certain powers have been delegated to positions in other organisations. All Australian Federal Police officers are inspectors appointed under the Act. 1111•1111111111111111111111MUM Page 10 COMMONWEALTH QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AGENCIES Department of the Environment Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (QEPA) and Heritage Australian Maritime Safety Queensland Fisheries Management Authority (AMSA) Authority (QFMA) Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Primary Industries (QDPI) Australian Customs Service (ACS) Queensland Department of Natural Resources (QDNR) Australian Heritage Commission Queensland Transport GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee Fisheries Groups Reef Advisory Committees Tourism Associations Local Marine Advisory Committees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Groups The Authority's Advisory Committees Conservation and Environmental Groups Zonal Advisory Committees & Management Advisory Committees The Public Figure 3. External relationships Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council The Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council was established in 1979 to coordinate policy between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments at Ministerial level. The Council comprises four Ministers; two from each Government. Senator the Hon Robert Hill, Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage, is convenor of the Council. At the commencement of 1999-2000, the other members of the Council were the Hon Jackie Kelly, Commonwealth Minister for Sport and Tourism; the Hon Rod Welford, the Queensland Environment and Heritage Minister; and the Hon Bob Gibbs, Queensland Tourism Minister. The Hon Henry Palaszczuk, Queensland Minister for Primary Industries also participated in discussions relating to his responsibilities for fisheries management during three meetings held throughout the year. The Ministerial Council met on 30 July 1999, on 13 October 1999 and on 15 December 1999. All of these meetings considered matters relating to the ecologically sustainable management of fisheries in Queensland. Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee The Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee, established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, is an independent advisory body for both the Minister and the simmumintaaaratammusatimitammommommonammtmammum Page 11 Authority. Functions, membership and business activities of the Consultative Committee are detailed in Appendix C. The Consultative Committee met three times during 1999-2000. Meeting Date Location CC 61 8-9 September 1999 Townsville CC 62 9 November 1999 Brisbane CC 63 29 March 2000 Townsville miummommumitairlinummattaimitaamairomminioureumwmairantisamm Page 72 Executive Operations The Executive Group consists of the three senior executives and their executive assistants, the Legal Services Unit, Ministerial and Parliamentary Liaison, and Media and Public Affairs. The primary purpose of the group is to support the Chair in the governance and strategic management of the Authority and to provide a forum for discussing, coordinating and reviewing programs, and for recommending priorities and strategic direction. EXECUTIVE Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To provide strategic planning, resource allocation and accountable management of the Authority, its operations and external relationships in pursuit of the control, care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Strategic Objectives Provide a clear vision and strategic targets which are understood by all staff and stakeholders. Ensure compliance with externally imposed obligations. To have the Authority recognised as a national and international leader in marine and coastal environment management. To respond flexibly to the needs of the community and Government. Ensure strong working relationships with major clients based on good communication and clear policies. Performance Analysis This is the second year of operation for the new organisational structure based around the four main critical issues identified for the conservation and management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Tourism and Recreation; Fisheries; Water Quality and Page 13 Coastal Development; and Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage. Four expertise based Critical Issues Groups (CIGs) were established to manage these issues. Four service groups support the work of the CIGs. How the Authority delivers its park management services is addressed by the Program Delivery Group which deals with permitting and major impact issues and coordinates liaison with Indigenous peoples. Corporate Services ensures that the Authority maintains its administrative and financial standards and the Information Support Group ensures that the information needs of Authority officers and the public are met. The Day-to-day Management Coordination Unit undertakes the important task of enforcement and field management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The new operational structure continues to evolve but has proved to be effective and efficient. The Executive comprises the Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Hon Virginia Chadwick and the two Executive Directors, John Tanzer and Gregor Manson. The Chair is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Authority, its governance, chairing the Marine Park Authority and managing the organisation. Sectional responsibilities have been divided between the two Executive Directors. John Tanzer is responsible for Fisheries; Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage; Corporate Services; Program Delivery; and executive services. Gregor Manson is responsible for Water Quality and Coastal Development; Tourism and Recreation; Day-to-day Management Coordination; Communication and Education (including Reef HQ); and Information Support. The Executive are joined on the Senior Management Team (SMT) by the Directors of each of the major work areas. The SMT is an important component of the management of the organisation and is responsible for developing policy direction, coordinating programs, internal communications and budget control. Senior managers are not only concerned with the day to day running of their own areas but with managing the intersections arising from the matrix structure. The members of the SMT and their areas of responsibility are shown in Figure 4. The SMT, under the direction of the Chair, meets weekly. In addition, it meets once a quarter over two days to review performance and set program and budget priorities. Overall the new structure has tended to work well especially in ensuring a clear focus for the organisation on those matters of most environmental significance. The work programs of the Authority are now focussed directly on addressing the major threats to the reef and ensuring its use is sustainable. Implementation of a framework to manage the impacts of aquaculture and trawling are two major outcomes facilitated by the focus on critical issues. However, structure is not an end in itself and must continue to evolve and adjust to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging priorities that are inevitable when dealing with such a dynamic and complex resource as the Great Barrier Reef. Accordingly during the year it was decided to provide for a new group to manage the communication and education functions previously dispersed across the organisation. iimieummommommunitains IlltalalleallgRIA10.1111M/ANI:fffilllfilanalMS1111 Page 14 Virginia Chadwick Chair (CEO) Gregor Manson John Tanzer Executive Director Executive Director Dr Jamie Oliver Colin Trinder Annie Ilett Manager Fiona Macdonald Director Director Ministerial & Manager Information Support Tourism & Recreation Parliamentary Liaison Legal Services Peter McGinnity Jon Brodie Jon Day Director Director Dr Phil Director Day-to-day Conservation, Cadwallader Water Quality & Management Biodiversity and Director Coastal Development Coordination Unit World Heritage Fisheries Martin Jones Director Andrew Skeat Les Bell Communication & Director Director Education Program Delivery Corporate Services (includes Reef HQ) Figure 4. Operational structure and members of the Senior Management Team from May 2000. Planning and structural change for this was completed this year and the new group, Communication and Education, will begin operating in the forthcoming financial year. The Authority continues to give high priority to forging and maintaining relationships with major stakeholders. The Executive seeks to negotiate outcomes with stakeholders and works to maintain support on issues pertinent to the management of the Marine Park. Accordingly a two-tiered system of advisory committees were established during the year to improve the lines of communication between stakeholders and the Authority as well as to assist with policy formulation. Four RACs were established, one for each of the Critical Issues Groups. The role of these committees is to advise the Chair on the major policy matters in relation to each critical issue and to provide a transparent forum for the different stakeholder groups to set out their interests. Nine LMACs were established in centres adjacent to the Marine Park to advise GBRMPA on local issues. These committees also provide a forum for the Authority to provide information to local communities on its programs. The Executive provided advice for Senate estimates committee meetings, preparation of parliamentary questions and conducted effective liaison with the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator the Hon Robert Hill and his office during the year. 11111LIMMIIIIIM II MIMI 111111110/111111MWAMMI11111111111 Page 15 The Authority's policies were reviewed internally during the year. Most of the policies of GBRMPA derive from past decisions of meetings of the Marine Park Authority. Recent major changes in the organisation and its staffing, the increasing size and complexity of the Authority's policy history, and the attention needed to be given to new policies associated with the four CIGs have necessitated greater coordination of the Authority's policy system. This year, the Authority commenced a process which: has drawn together its existing policies; will progressively identify matters for policy development and review; and will see its policies presented in a systematic and informative manner. These policies will be valuable for Authority staff when considering applications for permissions to operate in the Marine Park. GBRMPA continues to be recognised nationally and internationally in relation to the marine environment, natural resource and coral reef management. The Authority continued to participate actively in the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) with the Executive acting as a point of contact for ICRI. During the year, the Executive attended the ICRI meeting in Noumea. Additionally, members of the Executive led the Australian delegation to the United Nations Forum on Oceans in New York. During the forum, the Australian delegation raised important environmental issues relating to the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and the conservation of biodiversity on the high seas. LEGAL SERVICES The Legal Services Unit provides and coordinates the provision of legal advice and services to the Authority, and assists with policy development. In addition, the unit provides legal assistance to officers of the QPWS and the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) relating to day-to-day management issues such as permit and enforcement matters. In general, the scope of the legal advice provided is very broad, covering diverse areas such as contracts, intellectual property, administrative law, international law and native title. The unit is responsible for managing the preparation and amendment of legislation and liaising with external service providers, including the Commonwealth Attorney- General's Department. The unit coordinates all litigation in which the Authority is involved and processes all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To provide effective legislation, commercial legal operations, and litigation support. 1111•1111111111111111111111110111:1ffil Page 16 Strategic Objectives Ensure timely and accurate legal advice is delivered to the Authority. Minimise the Authority's involvement in litigation and ensure that the Authority's interest in litigation is competently managed. Drive the timely progression of legislation making and amendment. Ensure that appropriate commercial legal support is provided. Ensure that competent legal support is provided for the Authority's corporate governance. Ensure that relevant legal training is provided to Authority staff. Ensure that the Legal Services Unit is efficiently managed. Performance Analysis Significant achievements for the 1999-2000 financial year include: the conduct of internal and external legal awareness training; provision of legal support for the defence of legal proceedings in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), the Federal Court of Australia, the High Court of Australia, and the Supreme Court of Queensland; coordinating and assisting with the drafting and amendment of new regulations and the amendment of the Act, Plans of Management, and Zoning Plans; processing FOI requests; and providing an effective legal support for branch operations and the achievement of corporate objectives. Legal Awareness One of the objectives of the Legal Services Unit is to minimise the Authority's involvement in litigation by the provision of timely and effective legal advice and legal awareness training for GBRMPA staff. Because of the greater demands on the unit this year, the unit has provided a decreased level of legal awareness training. Budget The unit has been affected by the steadily declining budget available for the provision of external legal services, and the employment of sufficient numbers of staff to ensure that legal assistance is consistently provided in an efficient and timely manner. The extended legislative responsibilities of the Authority, its increased involvement in litigation, the rising demands for internal legal advice, and the regular receipt of FOI requests has added to this pressure. Training The staff of the unit conducted training to GBRMPA staff and others in relation to Marine Park legislation, the AAT, interpretation of Zoning Plans, boundary issues, and INIEIZIORI1\ NINIWIRIMMIVISMININDIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII01111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Page 17 an overview of the Freedom of Information Act. Internal staff training facilitated the achievement of work programs in accordance with good administrative practice. Litigation and Referrals There were no decisions by the AAT or comments by the Commonwealth Ombudsman relating to any permit decision of the Authority in 1999-2000. Two appeals against permit decisions have been heard by the AAT; no decisions have been handed down. At the end of the financial year, GBRMPA was involved in a total of six pieces of litigation. In addition to the appeals against permit decisions referred to above, the Authority was defending two further appeals to the AAT, one action in the Supreme Court of Queensland, and a special leave application to the High Court. In relation to the High Court proceedings, this is an appeal by the other party after the Authority was successful in the Full Federal Court. During the course of the 1999-2000 financial year, the Authority settled a Federal Court action and a Supreme Court action out of court in terms favourable to the Authority. MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY LIAISON Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To ensure effective liaison and productive relationships with ministers, portfolio members and government agencies, and to provide effective, professional support to the Executive and the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council. Strategic Objectives Facilitate coherent Commonwealth and State Government policies on matters impacting on the Great Barrier Reef. To facilitate the delivery of Authority policies that concur with Government priorities and objectives. Performance Analysis Two staff are located with Environment Australia in Canberra to assist in liaison and management of issues of mutual interest. During the year this unit dealt with issues that covered the full spectrum of Authority programs, projects and activities. These included major roles in the development, formulation and coordination of Authority 1111111111111111111111111111MINIMIHNIMMUMMIWalffilltillil Page 18 inputs to matters such as environmental impact assessments undertaken by Environment Australia. The unit also prepared briefing documents for Authority appearances before Parliamentary committees and provided the secretariat for the meetings of the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council. The unit is the central point for all coordination requests from Environment Australia and Canberra-based Commonwealth Departments. MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To provide effective and timely advice to the executive on all media matters pertaining to the Authority. Strategic Objectives To further develop a media and public relations program to ensure wide public recognition, understanding and support of the Authority, its programs and relationships with other organisations. To continue development of communication vehicles that will embrace modern and effective tools for public communication. To develop and implement staff communication training programs. Performance Analysis Media interest and subsequent support for the work of GBRMPA has been a positive outcome of the ongoing media and public relations strategy. Programs implemented during 1999-2000 contributed to enhancing the public recognition, understanding and continuing awareness of the changes embraced by GBRMPA in its management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Continuing public interest in the Great Barrier Reef CD ROM and the publication 'Reef Management News' has proved to be effective and positive, fostering greater public understanding of the work of the Authority and the current future challenges for the organisation. Ongoing development and implementation of communication strategies and advice to new staff has resulted in a greater appreciation by all staff of the advantages of incorporating public relations and media programs in management initiatives. IMILIZEMILIIIIIIIIMMINIIIIIIMML21011PAUDIONNI111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Page 19 Through developing the Vision, Principles for Management and Corporate Values of the Authority, and with guidance from the 25-year Strategic Plan, a series of issues have been identified as being crucial for the wellbeing of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the World Heritage Area and for the management of their use. These key issues are: Tourism and recreation Fisheries Water quality Coastal development Shipping and ports Conservation and biodiversity World Heritage status Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander relationships. These key issues are monitored and managed by the four Critical Issues Groups: Tourism and Recreation Fisheries Water Quality and Coastal Development Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Each of these Critical Issues Groups operates under a strategic work program with outcomes, objectives and strategies. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander relationships are considered to be of overarching significance with a bearing on all other issues and provision of services by GBRMPA. For this reason, the Indigenous Cultural Liaison Unit has been established and located within the Program Delivery Group. TOURISM AND RECREATION Tourism is the principal commercial use of the Marine Park. During 1999-2000 there 11111111111111111111111111KOMII 3111' 11114311111141111111M111111M1120:11' Page 20 were around 1.5 million visitors to the area, which is a similar figure to the previous year. Over 95 per cent of this tourism is centred within the Cairns and Whitsundays areas. Data from the Environmental Management Charge (EMC) returns indicate that, while visitor numbers remained relatively stable over the last year, more vessel trips were recorded. This indicates a greater effort by existing operators and the establishment of new tourist operations in the Marine Park. Visitors are now being transported to the Marine Park on a greater number of vessels. In response to increased demand for access to the Marine Park for the purposes of tourism and recreation, GBRMPA is developing a more strategic, reef-wide framework for managing tourism impacts. The aim is to manage cumulative impacts of tourism use effectively and to minimise displacement effects on other users. Strategic Direction Broad Outcomes To achieve minimal impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and on users. To achieve understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Strategic Objectives Build a partnership with the marine tourism industry to protect and promote the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and to meet World Heritage Area obligations. Develop a strategic and integrated framework for managing marine tourism use within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including industry capacity and the allocation of resources. Minimise the individual and cumulative impacts of tourism and recreation on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park whilst maintaining diversity of opportunities for users and minimising displacement of other users. The Tourism and Recreation Critical Issues Group was established to develop and implement GBRMPA's new approach to managing tourism; an approach based on strategic policy and planning, direct management, self-regulation by the industry and active partnerships. Introduction of Plans of Management for the Cairns Area and the Whitsundays (in addition to the existing Zoning Plans) and simplified standard permits and policies such as those for cruise ships using the Marine Park all contribute to this strategic framework. Integral to these policies and plans are tourism industry training and accreditation Page 21 programs and the encouragement of self-regulation by the industry. Crucial to the success of this management approach is the strengthening of working relationships with the marine tourism industry. Performance Analysis Management Planning During 1999-2000 the Tourism and Recreation Group was involved in the implementation of the Cairns Area and the Whitsundays Plans of Management. Participation in the joint GBRMPA/QPWS Implementation Working Group contributed to the coordination of both Commonwealth and State processes. As implementation of the Plans has progressed, it has been necessary to re-negotiate and modify some of the existing provisions to take into account further practicalities for permittees operating in the Marine Park, without compromising the views of other users. Such amendments to the Plan include provisions for long range rovers, swimming-with-whales permissions, permissions to operate out of Bowen, boutique cruise vessels and designated cruise ship anchorages. The Tourism and Recreation Reef Advisory Committee (RAC) identified a need to improve the system of management planning for tourism and recreation. In response to this, GBRMPA commenced development of a proposal for a new framework for the management of tourism and recreation use of the Marine Park. Moorings Management and Allocation GBRMPA, in consultation with key representatives of the tourism industry, has developed guidelines for the allocation of new moorings in the Cairns Area as identified in the Cairns Area Plan of Management. These guidelines were adopted by the Marine Park Authority in June 2000. The Authority intends to allocate the moorings during 2000-2001. Standard Permits The introduction of standard permits during the year has enabled more efficient processing of routine permit applications. Standard permits are now available for Vessel Tour Operations, Aircraft Tour Operations, Cruise Ship Operations, Hire Operations, Craftless Operations and Long Range Roving Operations. Reef-wide Policy Cruise Ships The Marine Park Authority endorsed a reef-wide cruise ship policy in October 1999. The Cruise Ship Technical Working Group, comprising representatives of GBRMPA, QPWS, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Transport, Royal Australian Navy Hydrographers, Reef Pilots and representatives of the cruise ship 1111111111111111111111111111M1101111111111111131111111311111111143111MINIMINAL maimat Page 22 industry met three times during the year. This group was instrumental in developing the reef-wide cruise ship policy and associated amendments relating to the Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Management. The policy streamlines the access arrangements, permitting and booking systems for these large vessels. Fourteen cruise ship anchorages were designated in the cruise ship policy with provision for further designated anchorages throughout the Marine Park where appropriate. Tidal stream data analysis for the proposed Hamilton Cove Anchorage in the Whitsundays was finalised in February 2000. A risk analysis for this proposed anchorage is being prepared in consultation with QPWS, maritime safety authorities, the cruise ship industry and other stakeholders. Boutique Cruise Vessels In response to an identified policy gap relating to access provisions for vessels between 35 m and 70 m, and carrying up to 100 passengers in the Cairns Planning Area, a boutique cruise vessel policy was developed. This policy was agreed to by the Marine Park Authority in March 2000. Moorings The Authority commenced development of policy for the reef-wide management of moorings in consultation with QPWS and Queensland Transport. Reef-wide Standard Mooring Floats Moorings have been used as a management tool in the Marine Park for many years to minimise impacts from anchor damage and facilitate convenient access to the reef. Regulations to provide a reef-wide system of standardised mooring floats are in the final stage of development. Standardising mooring buoys will assist in the recognition and management of moorings. Permitted moorings will be easily identifiable. Training and Education Eighteen Great Barrier Reef Tourism Staff Certificate Courses were conducted during the year by trainers predominantly based in the Port Douglas, Cairns and Whitsundays areas. One hundred and sixty-four (164) participants completed the courses. A number of large tourism operators and members of the dive industry have incorporated the course into their staff training programs. A program for the accreditation of bareboat (self-sail) operations in the Whitsundays, based on the adoption of operating standards proposed by the industry, has been established with significant industry involvement. A key component is the requirement for bareboat operations to employ appropriately qualified staff. To achieve this, a training course specifically for bareboat staff has been developed jointly by the industry and GBRMPA, with input from Queensland Transport. The course has been delivered through the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE (Whitsunday Campus). Of the 150 bareboat staff who have successfully completed the course since February 1999, 60 have been registered by GBRMPA as either bareboat briefers or radio operators. IIIMIOINIE1111111141111011t011111111110i11161,111Id Page 23 At this time, prior to the formal introduction of regulations requiring bareboat operators to conform to agreed operating standards, approximately 50 per cent of the operators have voluntarily adopted the standards. Industry Involvement GBRMPA has been closely involved in a Queensland government initiative 'Tourism in Queensland Protected Areas Industry Forum' which aims at improving the management of tourism in protected areas. The Authority is represented on an intergovernmental steering committee to advance this initiative. The Cairns Marine Industries Group has been particularly successful in bringing together tourism, recreation and other users of the Marine Park to provide a forum to resolve issues of conflicting access to specific offshore sites in the Cairns Area. Publications GBRMPA commenced production and product testing of a Tourism Operators Handbook for the Great Barrier Reef. This will be a plain English guide which brings together into one document the relevant management provisions and standards for best environmental practices for operating within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Development of the Handbook has been guided by a Steering Committee which includes representatives of the marine tourism industry, QPWS and the Day-to-day Management Coordination Unit. The prototype has been well received by tourism operators. GBRMPA has worked closely with Queensland Transport to develop a web site for superyachts visiting the Marine Park in the lead up to the millennium and the Sydney Olympics. This web site was finalised in August 1999 and includes management information for superyachts in the GBRMP. Booklets on Superyacht Guidelines and Cruise Ship Guidelines are nearing completion. For these styles of operations, these booklets synthesise information on access, recreational opportunities and the rules and regulations when operating in the Marine Park. New guides to the amended Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Management were produced and distributed in October 1999, together with a bulletin to update tourism operators on a range of permitting and Plan implementation issues. Tourism and Recreation Reef Advisory Committee The Tourism and Recreation RAC was established to provide expert advice to the Authority on policy development relevant to the Tourism and Recreation Group's objectives. The committee, comprised of 18 members, met twice in 1999-2000 (24-25 11111111111111111111111111111111101t10111 Mill101111117 Page 24 February and 7-8 June 2000) and focussed on developing advice on improving the management of tourism and recreation use of the Marine Park. FISHERIES Fishing is an important industry for the Queensland and Australian economies and relies on wise management of both the fisheries resources and the ecosystems on which these resources depend. Fishing has significant ecological effects that can impact on World Heritage and nature conservation values. In conjunction with the Queensland Government, commercial and recreational fishers, Indigenous and other community groups, GBRMPA seeks to ensure that all fishing activities in the Marine Park are ecologically sustainable. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To achieve sustainable fisheries that do not compromise the values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Strategic Objectives I. Develop strategic policy for fisheries in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which: clearly states the Authority's position on fisheries; enables the Authority to audit the ecological sustainability of fishing in the Marine Park in accordance with World Heritage obligations and the precautionary principle. protects all species, particularly rare, threatened and endangered species, and communities together with their critical habitats; incorporates a comprehensive system of protected areas which are free from fishing and are representative of the habitats within the GBRMP; and is equitable across the community, meeting traditional, social and cultural needs and maintains a socially acceptable balance of access for all users of the GBRMP. Achieve integration of fisheries and ecosystem management. Develop an effective information base on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of fishing so that sound management decisions on resource sustainability and access are made. Have fisheries management strategies that are both understood and accepted by Marine Park users and the community, and that are complied with. 1111/11011011117.11111131412DINIMIRIMIAIMWAIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111111 Page 25 Performance Analysis A whole-of-ecosystem fisheries management approach is the clear direction of GBRMPA's fisheries policy. The Authority is working with Queensland and Commonwealth fisheries managers and stakeholder groups to achieve ecologically sustainable fisheries. To assist this process, a Fisheries Issues Group has been established, comprising staff with an extensive range of fisheries management and research expertise. The group contributes to the fisheries management planning process with membership on Queensland and Commonwealth fisheries management advisory committees. The issues group also contributes to fisheries research and management through involvement in conferences, workshops and other internal and external working groups. Ecologically Sustainable Fishing During 1999-2000, the Authority negotiated with Queensland agencies, the fishing industry and other stakeholders to ensure new management arrangements were developed for the trawl fishery to achieve ecologically sustainable fishing within the Marine Park. Critical factors addressed include the total level of fishing effort, protection of areas from trawling, mandatory use of turtle excluders and other bycatch reduction devices and agreement on species that trawlers may retain. Phase 2 of research on the effects of line fishing in the Marine Park was completed in March 2000 with the closure of selected reefs that had been monitored while open to fishing. Phase 3 will see monitoring of stock recovery rates until 2005. The project also involves analysis of fish biology, life cycles, fishery economics, and the development of sustainability indicators for target species, bycatch and the impact of commercial fishing on tropical marine ecosystems. The study will provide Marine Park and fisheries managers with an evaluation of current and potential management strategies to ensure ecological sustainability. In the meantime, the Authority has worked with Queensland fisheries managers and stakeholder groups in developing new measures to protect stocks in the reef line and deep water rocky reef fisheries. Management plans for these fisheries are expected to be implemented in 2000-2001 following further community consultation. In 1999-2000, GBRMPA contributed to the development of Queensland Fisheries Management Authority (QFMA) discussion papers on marine aquarium fish, coral collecting, blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs and inshore finfish including barramundi, grunter, salmon, mangrove jack and small mackeral species. GBRMPA also provided input to the management plan for the spanner crab fishery. The Marine Park Authority adopted a policy to not grant permits to undertake fishing with more than six hooks-per-line within the Marine Park. This policy relates to drop- lines, bottom-set lines and long-lines targeting deep-reef fish and tuna and billfish, and was developed because multiple-hook fishing in the Marine Park is not demonstrably ecologically sustainable. Emoimmummtistaasivrecatuattanaisiormseamearatamatek maws Page 26 Protection of Rare and Threatened Species A review of Dugong Protection Areas, which prohibit or restrict various commercial net-fishing operations, was undertaken in conjunction with Queensland government agencies. The Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council adopted the review recommendations; amendments to Queensland Fishing Regulations will give effect to these recommendations. Dugong Protection Areas were introduced in December 1997 to minimise the threat of dugong capture in commercial mesh nets. The amended management plan for the trawl fishery will also require the mandatory use of turtle excluder devices throughout the Marine Park and World Heritage Area. Protection of Critical Habitats and Representative Areas Marine protected areas are an important tool in safeguarding fish stocks and habitats. This strategy has included areas selected under the Authority's zoning plans and plans of management, and input to designation of fishing closures under Queensland fisheries legislation. In addition, the Authority has been active in addressing issues of land-based impacts on estuarine and coastal habitats. During 1999-2000, GBRMPA has been active in communicating the Representative Areas Program to fisheries stakeholders. Consultation will continue over the next two years. Equitable Access Recognising Traditional Needs Marine Park zoning plans regulate fishing practices permitted in selected areas. These provisions apply equally to commercial, recreational and tourist charter fishers. Under a special provision that recognises traditional, social and cultural needs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can apply for permits to fish and gather seafoods in zones that are otherwise closed. Integration of Fisheries and Ecosystem Management The Authority is committed to ensuring that all fishing in the Marine Park is ecologically sustainable in terms of target species, non-target species and the environment generally. This includes direct impacts of fishing practice and indirect impacts such as changes to ecosystem functioning and productivity. Studies conducted into the effects of trawl and line fishing are key elements in this management approach. The approach is integrated with broader protection of critical and representative areas, including land-based impacts and pollution threats from shipping. GBRMPA recognises that comprehensive research, monitoring and assessment techniques for complex ecological systems are still in their infancy both in Australia and overseas. Consequently, the precautionary principle, whereby lack of conclusive data does not prevent implementing protective measures, is adopted as an integral part of management practice. Information Base Information is collated for core databases on the distribution of fishing catch and wararnatuttruitairmitammosssinverrion nammis Page 27 effort, fish spawning aggregation sites, and fisheries jurisdictional boundaries and closures. Supported by impact studies and biological and socio-economic research projects this information provides a better understanding of spatial patterns of fishing effort and is essential to integrated fisheries and ecosystem management. Understanding and Compliance User groups and communities are consulted and involved in the development of Marine Park zoning and management plans and Queensland's fisheries regulations. A communication and education program further enhances public understanding and acceptance of the fishing regulations in the Marine Park management strategy. There were eighty-four prosecutions for fishing-related offences in the Marine Park during 1999-2000. Fishing is the key focus of a new three-year compliance strategy that began in July 1999. High priority areas include dugong protection, trawling and line fishing in protected zones. Assisted by additional Commonwealth Government funding, the strategy includes enhanced patrol activities, development of an integrated intelligence system and use of a range of new technologies. GBRMPA will also have access to the satellite-linked vessel monitoring system developed by Queensland Government fisheries management agencies, initially for trawlers and vessels involved in the sea cucumber and trochus fisheries. GBRMPA's legislation will be reviewed to streamline fisheries enforcement in the Marine Park. More effective prosecution and higher penalties for offences will assist compliance. In January 1999 the Commonwealth Government announced it intended to introduce a penalty of $1 million for illegal trawling in no-take zones of the Marine Park. The Authority is also seeking to ensure that illegal fishing in the Marine Park is considered a serious fisheries offence under Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) fisheries management plans, and that appropriate additional penalties, such as licence suspension, apply to offenders under Queensland management regulations. Queensland East Coast Trawl Management Plan A Draft Management Plan for the Queensland East Coast Trawl Fishery (ECTF) was released by QFMA in June 1999. The Draft Plan was considered inadequate in many respects. GBRMPA presented a submission to the QFMA on the Draft Plan detailing its defects. A series of recommendations for improving the management provisions contained in the Draft Plan was prepared. GBRMPA's submission incorporated the findings of an independent expert panel appointed to provide advice on whether management arrangements included in the ECTF Draft Management Plan would ensure that trawling would be conducted in an ecologically sustainable manner consistent with the objectives of the Marine Park and World Heritage Area. Page 28 At its meeting in Townsville on 30 July 1999, the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council discussed the Draft Plan for the ECTF and GBRMPA's submission, and agreed: that an increase in effort in the ECTF was not acceptable; that effort needed to be capped; that a formula was necessary to guarantee a gradual but definite rate of reduction; and that there should be no further decline in ecological sustainability in the fishery. Council agreed to establish a task force of officials to report on the issues raised in relation to the Draft Management Plan for the ECTF. Subsequently, GBRMPA staff met with officials from the Queensland Government and the QFMA and negotiated an agreement consistent with the principles set out by the Ministerial Council in relation to the Draft Management Plan for the ECTF. Council met on 13 October 1999 and agreed that implementation of the management arrangements listed below is required to ensure the ecological sustainability of the ECTF. In particular, implementation is required to ensure that the fishery is managed in a manner that is consistent with the protection and conservation of the World Heritage values of the GBRWHA and the objectives of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act. The following management arrangements for the ECTF were agreed to by the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council on 13 October 1999: Level of Cap on Total Effort cap total effort in the trawl fishery at the 1996 level of effort; the maximum level of effort in the fishery is to be equivalent to the total recorded effort in 1996; include a suitable mechanism to deal with vessel replacement (and associated effort escalation); this mechanism must guarantee that vessel replacement during the life of the plan will not compromise the effectiveness of the effort cap; Date of Cap Allocation and Implementation allocation of effort to each individual licence holder to be completed during 2000; the formula for allocation must ensure fairness and equity, having regard to geographic differences in fishing operations, different fishing methods relating to different target species and the continued viability of small, family operators; provide for implementation and enforcement of individual effort allocations from 1 January 2001; the total permitted effort in the trawl maironiummtairmitamssassamin Page 29 fishery in 2001 is no more than the total actual effort in 1996; Level and Rate of Reduction of Effort ensure that total permitted effort in the trawl fishery will be reduced by 15 per cent over the three years to 31 December 2003 with the result that the total permitted effort on 1 January 2004 will be equivalent to the 1996 level of effort less 15 per cent; the mechanism for reduction of effort should be designed to deliver a 5 per cent reduction per year; progress in achieving this rate of reduction should be reviewed annually as part of the GBRMPA/QFMA reporting arrangements; achieve reduction in effort by a combination of effort reduction mechanisms currently identified in the draft plan (such as the surrender of effort units on transfer or vessel upgrade) and, to the extent necessary, further reductions as required to achieve targets; Assessment of Ecological Sustainability and Further Effort Reduction provide for a comprehensive assessment of the ecological sustainability of the trawl fishery by the end of 2003; this assessment is to be based on an evaluation of the fishery against agreed sustainability indicators, and should include an analysis of vessel monitoring system (VMS) data, logbook information and a detailed stock assessment, including fishery-independent information. The assessment must examine not only the sustainability of the fishery in terms of the target species, but also in terms of its impact on the ecosystem as a whole; at this time, it may be appropriate to assess other arrangements, such as zoning on a regional basis, to enable better management of effort in the fishery; ensure a further reduction in total permitted effort in the trawl fishery of five per cent per year for both 2004 and 2005 unless the assessment of ecological sustainability demonstrates that the fishery is sustainable in the absence of further reduction in effort; Closures close all areas to trawling where no trawling has been recorded to date, based on log book information on 30-minute grids; close additional areas where between one and 20 days trawling per year (based on 1991-1997 average) has occurred; any additional closures to be considered and addressed as part of the Representative Areas Program currently being developed by GBRMPA in conjunction with other government agencies and stakeholder groups; Target Species and Other Species that may be Retained define the principal target species in the fishery to be prawns, scallops, bugs and squid; Ei mmitaassommituatanammumname Page 30 incorporate a strictly limited list of 'other retained species' which shall be restricted to mantis shrimp, redspot crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, winter whiting (taken outside the GBRMP), goat fish, blue swimmer crabs, syngnathid species, shark species, pinkies, whiptails and barking crayfish; targeting of these species should not be allowed; not allow for the retention of any other species; require that daily logbook data be collected, monitored and assessed and other information on 'other retained species' be collated and assessed, and that appropriate limits (e.g. trip limits or some other mechanism) be introduced by the end of 2001; in the event that information on 'other retained species' is not collated and assessed, or that appropriate limits are not set for any species or species group by the end of 2001, that species or species group will be removed from the 'other retained species' list; require developmental fishery protocols be followed before any species is moved from the 'other retained species' list to the target species list; establish an assessment process for any proposal to add new species or species groups to the 'other retained species' list, and require that any addition to the 'other retained species' list be agreed to by both Commonwealth and State Governments; Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) provide for mandatory use of BRDs and TEDs throughout the GBRWHA; formally define BRDs and TEDs, while providing for licensees to seek approval for apparatus outside the prescribed definitions for BRDs and TEDs (to allow for innovation and experimentation); provide for some form of BRD to be incorporated into beam trawls; Sustainability Indicators require rigorous and comprehensive stock assessment for all target species based on logbook and fisheries-independent information, including independent field monitoring and on-going research; such indicators for primary target species must be in place at the commencement of the plan; provide for broad ecosystem sustainability indicators to be incorporated in the plan by mid-2000; provide for new logbooks to be in place at the start of the plan to record all target and retained bycatch species; enable the QFMA to provide a report to GBRMPA on progress in achieving the objectives of the management plan on an annual basis. IN/LIVIZIM1IIIII:11111Ditimislogiamixounwasmammissamommitimi Page 31 The Great Barrier Reef Ministeral Council noted that GBRMPA and QFMA would work cooperatively to resolve matters of detail, including finalisation of ecosystem sustainability indicators, limits on 'other retained species', terms of reference for the review of ecological sustainability, terms of reference for the review of structural adjustment options, and development of adequate communication channels to enable GBRMPA to report annually. In November 1999, the Queensland Government introduced a Management Plan for the ECTF. Key elements of the Ministerial Council agreement were not included. In particular, the Plan contained no provisions to cap and reduce effort, no closures of untrawled or lightly trawled areas, and did not require the mandatory use of BRDs and TEDs throughout the GBRWHA. The issues of capping and reducing effort, closed areas and mandatory use of BRDs and TEDs were referred to a Working Group of stakeholders established by the Queensland Premier for resolution by 1 March 2000. The Working Group subsequently provided its report to the Queensland Premier who forwarded it to the Commonwealth Government. Agreement has now been reached to close areas that have not previously been trawled or only lightly impacted. The closures preclude any future expansion of trawling into these areas. This is as agreed to by the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council Task Force. There is agreement to legislate in order to make BRDs compulsory throughout the ECTF, including the World Heritage Area, immediately. However, a 6-month delay in enforcing this amendment has been proposed. This will allow scientists to design and field test appropriate BRD designs for use in scallop nets and deepwater trawl nets. Liaison with fishers will also be important. The proposed amendment will achieve mandatory use of BRDs throughout the World Heritage Area. In addition, agreement has been reached to extend the mandatory use of TEDs to the scallop fishery, but to have a 6-month delay in enforcing the proposed amendment for the reasons outlined above. Cooperation of fishers is required to ensure the proposed amendments achieve their intended aims. Commercial fishers are reluctant to adopt TEDs in the deepwater fishery. They argue that there is little bycatch in this fishery and scant scientific information on the occurrence of turtles in the deepwater area. GBRMPA disagrees and supports a more precautionary approach. Agreement has been reached to amend the ECTF Management Plan to make it mandatory to have BRDs capable of excluding sharks, rays and turtles. A delay in the commencement date will allow for gear development, sea trials and community education. GBRMPA's position is that BRDs and TEDs must be mandatory throughout the World Heritage Area. Nimummumratim MMUS "1011111111111111 Page 32 Agreement has been reached to cap effort at the 1996 level (equivalent to 108 346 days). To standardise effort across all sizes of vessel in the fleet, effort is defined as fishing days multiplied by hull units (a function of the length, breadth and depth of the vessel) to give effort units. The 1996 level of effort has been calculated by averaging each fisher's best four years over the 1988-1998 period and allocating the 1996 level on a pro rata basis. The number of days at sea will be monitored using the satellite-based VMS currently in place for the trawl fleet. Vessels will be polled on an hourly basis. Effort creep due to technology improvements will be countered by penalties on effort units during transfer of licences (five per cent), transfer of effort units (10 per cent) and vessel replacements (17 per cent). This will remove about three per cent of effort units per year during the life of the Management Plan. The Queensland Government has proposed that effort be reduced by 15% through a structural adjustment package. The Commonwealth Government is currently considering the package. The ECTF Draft Management Plan currently is being amended by Queensland. The amended Plan will be finally presented to GBRMPA for possible accreditation. In the meantime, the revised Zoning Plan for the Far Northern Section of the GBRMP has been amended to read '... the General Use Zone may be used or entered without permission for trawling if: (a) before the commencement of this Zoning Plan, the Authority causes a notice to be published in the Gazette: (i) stating that the Authority has, for the purposes of this provision, accredited a specified Management Plan under the Fisheries Act 1994 of Queensland as ensuring an ecologically sustainable fishery for trawling in the area covered by, or in an area that includes the Far Northern Section; and (ii) specifying a place at which the Management Plan may be inspected.' At present, trawling operators do not require a permit from GBRMPA. Under the revised Zoning Plan for the Far Northern Section, this position will not change provided the Queensland Government introduces an ECTF Management Plan that can be accredited by GBRMPA. The Authority will accredit the Trawl Plan if it is satisfied that the Plan will provide for an ecologically sustainable fishery. Furthermore, if the Plan is accredited it will be subject to regular audit and assessment by GBRMPA to determine the extent to which it is meeting its objectives. 11111EINIZIIIIIIIMIMM11111111111111112113WAIS Page 33 Fisheries Reef Advisory Committee A Fisheries Reef Advisory Committee (RAC) was established by the Authority to advise the Fisheries Critical Issues Group. The RAC comprises a total of 14 members, including an independent Chair. The Committee met first on 8-9 March and again on 8 June 2000. WATER QUALITY AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT Anthropogenic activities in the river catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, primarily agriculture, grazing, industry and urban development, pose potential threats to the maintenance of suitable water quality. Terrestrial run-off of nutrients, sediment and toxic materials, and their subsequent impacts on biota and ecosystems, have been identified as significant water quality issues facing the GBRMP and World Heritage Area. Consequently an integrated approach to catchment management and coastal development, involving government, industries and stakeholders, is required for the successful management of water quality. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To minimise and ameliorate the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the water quality, the biota and the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. Strategic Objectives Comprehensive understanding of the sources of pollution and their effects on the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. Minimise and ameliorate the adverse impacts of shipping activities on the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. Minimise and ameliorate the adverse impacts of catchment activities and coastal development on the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef. For the effective management and protection of the GBRMP it is vital that the connectivity between the land and the sea is recognised by all government agencies, industries and stakeholders. Therefore the group is determining the source, means of transport and effects of pollutants on the biota and ecosystems of the Marine Park. It is also instigating mechanisms to minimise and ameliorate the adverse impacts of pollutants derived primarily from shipping, catchment activities and coastal development. 111111111111111110111111111111111611111101111MIN: Page 34 Performance Analysis Monitoring Sources, Fates and Effects of Pollutants GBRMPA continued to compile strong scientific argument on the impacts of anthropogenic pollutants in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Analysis of concentrations of nutrients associated with river flood plumes indicates that concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus can reach five and 10 times the concentrations measured under non-flood conditions. Elevated concentrations of nutrients are often maintained at inshore sites of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, adjacent to river catchments in the wet tropics for up to one week. River flood plumes associated with large catchments in the dry tropics experience elevated nutrient concentrations for periods of up to three weeks, but on a less frequent basis. Concentrations of dissolved nutrients present at inshore reefs during flood events are considerably higher than those known to produce adverse affects on coral reef ecosystems, particularly in respect to enhancement of algal growth, reductions in coral reproductive success and increase in coral mortality. Broadscale monitoring has indicated that nearshore sediments in the wet tropics region are contaminated with low concentrations of a range of pollutants including the herbicide, diuron (DCMU), and the organochlorine pesticide, dieldrin. Dioxins are also present in these sediments. Diuron and dieldrin are likely to originate from intensively cropped agricultural areas in the river catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Monitoring of these pollutants is being undertaken. Management of Coastal Development Coastal Management and Regional Plans The Authority provided policy direction to the QEPA regarding the management of coastal resources within the GBRWHA for the State Coastal Plan, the Cardwell- Hinchinbrook Regional Coastal Management Plan and the Wet Tropics Regional Coastal Management Plan. The advisory committees involved in the preparation of these plans currently include representatives from the Authority. Drafts of the first of these coastal management plans are to be released for public comment in 2000. The Authority is also providing policy direction to the Queensland Department of Communication, Information, Local Government, Planning and Sport in the preparation of regional plans for the Mackay/Whitsunday, Townsville/ Thuringowa and Central Queensland coastal areas. Local Government Plans GBRMPA provided policy direction for the first stage (Statement of Proposals) of the preparation of Planning Schemes, under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (Qld), for nine of the 20 local government shires that are adjacent to the GBRMP. The Authority intends to achieve consistent management provision for coastal developments in these shires. GBRMPA also provided comment on the finalisation of four existing Planning INLIIZIOIIINLIIIIIRIIIADINIIIMIIIIIPDIAIIEIWJDXIIOIIIIINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIINIIIIMIIIIIMMMIIIIIIIIIIIII Page 35 Schemes instigated under the superseded local government planning legislation. For the first time the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area have been identified as important and valuable features in many of these documents. The Authority compiled a database on coastal developments, particularly new or proposed developments, within these shires to identify the variety of proposals and to assist in prioritising policy development. Coastal Developments Within or Adjacent to the GBRWHA The Authority continued to provide a Marine Park focus into impact assessment processes for proposed coastal developments. Comments were prepared on approximately 80 development proposals outside the Marine Park that had potential for impact on the World Heritage Area. These proposals included large resorts, residential developments, marina developments, transport access studies, aquaculture developments and a range of other land use changes in both island and mainland coastal areas. Aquaculture The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Aquaculture) Regulations 2000 were introduced. The new regulations seek to ensure that a rigorous, open and transparent process of environmental impact assessment occurs for aquaculture proposals in areas adjacent to the GBRMP. Consideration of management options is continuing in liaison with State agencies. The Queensland Government is also developing strategic plans for the location of further aquaculture developments. Legislative Reform The Authority continued to discuss its role with regard to the Queensland environmental assessment processes. Inconsistent management of developments in some jurisdictions is still a concern. Discussions are being held with the relevant agencies to enable the Authority to be recognised as a formal referral agency and to ensure responsible environmental management of areas that may affect the Marine Park. GBRMPA will be involved in the implementation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) to the extent it regulates development in or adjacent to the GBRWHA. Cooperative and Integrated Management GBRMPA maintained its focus on developing partnerships with State agencies and local governments to maximise the relationship between Marine Park planning and land use planning. The Authority is now represented in a range of forums from coastal planning to integrated catchment management committees and industry representative bodies. One of the key strategies for water quality management is effective extension and education of stakeholders in the coastal areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. The emphasis of the extension program is the connectivity of ecosystems that drain into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and their potential downstream impact on the marine 1111111111111111111111111KOWIIIIREMILUMIMIWELIVINIINI Page 36 environment. One example of this type of approach is the development of a formal agreement dealing with standards for cotton farming practices adjacent to the GBRWHA. Management of Shipping and Maritime Pollution Response Shipping Management The Authority has continued to work with Queensland Transport and AMSA to develop shipping accident prevention measures. During 1999-2000 agreement was gained with Queensland on directions for the implementation of ship-sourced sewage regulations. The Authority has commenced actions to increase penalties for maritime pollution offences at the request of the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage. In response to changes in pilotage operations under the Act, Ministerial approval has been received, and legislation drafted, for the extension of the compulsory pilotage area in the Hydrographers Passage. The Authority has also taken the opportunity to simplify the compulsory pilotage area declaration process. Maritime Incident Response There have been no major incidents within the Great Barrier Reef Region, however a number of small oil spills have occurred. The Authority continued its commitment to the National Plan to Combat the Pollution of the Sea by Oil activities by being involved with the National Plan Advisory Committee and State Oil Pollution Committee. The Authority was represented and participated fully in the Review of the National Plan. The development of a Memorandum of Understanding with Queensland has commenced to ensure that consistent enforcement arrangements for oil spills are in place across the Marine Park. This will include the designation of Queensland Transport staff as inspectors under the Act. The Authority, through a consultancy, developed a manual for monitoring oil spills that will assist with consistent reporting within the Great Barrier Reef Region. GBRMPA staff continued to be involved in National and Queensland training courses by providing lecturers to Oil Spill Response Workshops and Oil Spill Response Incident Control System Courses. Water Quality and Coastal Development Reef Advisory Committee A Reef Advisory Committee (RAC) was established by the Authority to advise the Water Quality and Coastal Development Group on a range of policy issues. The RAC comprises a total of 17 members, including an independent Chair. The Committee met on 24-25 February and 22 May 2000. 1111/111011011M111111311101:111111111111RISMEMOM Page 37 CONSERVATION, BIOD VERS TY AND WORLD HERITAGE The Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Group places particular emphasis on ensuring conservation of the GBRMP in accordance with GBRMPA's Goal and Aims through: species conservation, particularly the protection of threatened species such as dugongs, turtles, whales and dolphins; describing the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and identifying representative areas; and ensuring that reporting obligations for the World Heritage Bureau and World Heritage Committee are met. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To ensure the natural and cultural values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are protected. Strategic Objectives I. Ensure the natural values within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are maintained or enhanced, with particular emphasis on: threatened species, the Region's unique fauna and flora, areas of high ecological value and critical habitats; and the identification and protection of representative areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 2. Ensure the cultural values within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are maintained or enhanced, with emphasis on: the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; non-Indigenous cultural heritage; and the socioeconomic implications of GBRMP management actions. 3. Ensure the Authority's involvement within the Marine Park meets the obligations of the World Heritage Convention and other relevant international obligations (including the Convention on Biological Diversity, CITES, Ramsar and UNCLOS). Threatened Species The Authority is one of a number of agencies involved in identifying threats and coordinating and facilitating conservation programs for threatened species. In recent years, the conservation of dugongs, turtles and whales has been given priority. There NI111111111101111111111111ffetialli Page 38 is now a strong inter-agency approach to the management of these species, together with continuous assessment of their status and management. Performance Analysis Dugong Recovery and Conservation Major efforts were undertaken aimed at dugong conservation. A detailed report was coordinated for the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council regarding dugong and Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs). Public Awareness and Education As part of these efforts, the Authority: ran peak-time television community messages urging conservation of dugongs and the reporting of sick, injured or dead dugongs via the marine animal stranding hotline; reviewed and printed a Stranding Bulletin—a biannual update of live- stranding and carcass incidents in the Great Barrier Reef; and printed and distributed tide tables for local areas along the Queensland coast and posters, displaying the Marine Animal Hotline telephone number and messages to 'help look after our marine animals'. Research and Training In its commitment to on-going research, GBRMPA: finalised, printed and distributed a Dugong Salvage and Necropsy manual; reviewed a draft report of a desktop study of the seasonal distribution of dugong; provided considerable funding for a continuing contract for an aerial survey of the southern dugong population; continued to fund contracts let in 1998-1999 studying dugong mortality in shark nets, surveys of seagrass in the remaining unsurveyed DPAs, development of methods to estimate absolute abundance of dugongs, and documenting Indigenous communities knowledge of dugong ecology and behaviour; printed and distributed the Dugong Research Strategy, a guide for future funding of dugong research, which is also available on the GBRMPA web site; and participated in QEPA training of Incident Control Systems to assist with response to marine animal live-stranding and carcass incidents. Turtle Conservation All six species of turtle on the Great Barrier Reef are listed in various categories of endangerment. There is rising concern for the loggerhead turtle which has declined significantly in breeding numbers. There is also concern for the breeding status of IIINIMIUM11111131120011111111111111MillEIIPZIM. Page 39 green and hawksbill turtles. In response, the Authority enhanced its turtle conservation initiatives by: chairing an inter-agency steering committee with QEPA and Environment Australia to develop a population model for the southern green turtle genetic breeding stock. This followed advice that the population may be in the early stages of a decline; continuing to work towards a Marine Turtle Conservation Policy by incorporating recommendations from the National Turtle Recovery Plan and considering human-related impacts specific to the GBRMP; beginning discussions with Indigenous representatives on a sustainable level of green turtle hunting to be permitted; letting two contracts; monitoring at a green turtle feeding ground in Shoalwater Bay, and a 12-month education and information program with Indigenous communities including the purchase of turtle tags recovered by hunters; and producing kits of marine turtle information. Whale and Dolphin Conservation A comprehensive Whale and Dolphin Conservation Policy was finalised, printed and distributed. Implementation of the policy is proceeding. Marine Animal Stranding Responses As endorsed by the Ministerial Council, high priority continues to be given to responding to dugong carcass and live-stranding incidents. Forty-six carcasses were recovered in 1999-2000 and their cause of death investigated. Results indicate that cause of death were as follows: 20 unknown, two remain under investigation, four from unidentified human-related cause, three from non-permitted hunting, nine were caught in nets set for traditional fisheries, one was caught in a Queensland Shark Control Program net, one was tangled in a line, three died from natural cause from disease and three from natural cause in the form of septicemia. Thirteen dugongs were recovered in DPA A zones, six were recovered adjacent to DPA A zones and five were recovered in DPA B zones. Through a joint process with QEPA: an effective e-mail reporting network for stranding/ carcasses was maintained; printed stickers advertising the marine animal stranding hotline were distributed with Queensland vessel registration certificates; training and coordination meetings were conducted; incident control systems in QEPA and QBFP regarding live strandings and carcasses were reviewed; assistance was provided at necropsies of many Townsville region carcasses; and veterinary training dealing with marine animals was sponsored. Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP) The Authority is concerned that the level of non-target bycatch caught in nets set under the QSCP is minimal and liaises with the QSCP regarding its operations in the Cairns, Townsville and Mackay regions. 111111111111111111111111111110111WIMMUM11131114111111AMINIIIIVEMINIZIMEDIA Page 40 Other Species and General Conservation Issues A draft report, 'Basis for Species Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area', was prepared. This detailed report will set the strategic direction and work priorities of the Species Conservation Team. The team also contributed to projects of other groups on species conservation issues including: providing comments on a Conservation Overview and National Action Plan on Threatened or Potentially Threatened Marine and Estuarine Fishes; providing advice to the Biodiversity Group (Environment Australia) regarding national marine species protection proposals and activities; and general bird conservation issues. Liaison with Defence on Activities in the GBRWHA GBRMPA maintained a central coordinating role in liaison with the Department of Defence regarding its activities in the World Heritage Area. Representative Areas Program The objectives of the Representative Areas Program (RAP) are to help: maintain biological diversity; provide an ecological safety margin against natural and human-induced damage; provide a solid ecological base from which threatened species or habitats can recover or repair themselves; maintain ecological processes, systems and connections between different habitats; and allow species to evolve and function undisturbed. The Program brings together much of the available current biological, physical, cultural, social and economic information on the Area to select and protect areas which are representative, at a chosen scale, of all habitat types found in the GBRMP. Once all habitats types have been defined and classified, threats will be identified and sites selected for high level protection. The Program aims to maximise biodiversity protection while minimising economic, cultural and social costs to Indigenous peoples, users and interested parties. The Program is being guided by various Advisory Committees (Scientific Steering Committee, Social, Economic and Cultural Steering Committee and Analytical Working Group) comprising external experts in the biophysical sciences for the first phases. External experts in the social sciences and stakeholder perceptions will guide the latter phases. minemourmitamantammwDmisgsmona Page 41 Performance Analysis Classification of Marine Diversity Over 40 layers of data were collated, analysed and used by two panels of experts to map the marine biodiversity of the GBRWHA into 64 bioregions (30 reef and 34 non- reef bioregions). Eight additional areas are yet to be classified. Informing the Interested Public This year, GBRMPA staff have been informing the public about the RAP process and outputs through: media releases; articles in newsletters; public and community group presentations; an Update brochure; the Internet; use of a speaker's kit; and delivery of draft bioregion maps. Review of Existing Network of Highly Protected Areas The review indicates that within the 64 bioregions and eight unclassified areas, 31 currently have less than five per cent of the bioregion set aside as highly protected, or 'no take', areas. The RAP aims to increase the level of highly protected status for biodiversity across the GBRWHA but particularly within these 31 bioregions. Table 1. Amount of high level protection of bioregions under current zoning arrangements Bioregion type % Protected No Protection <1-5% >5-15% >15-25% >25% Reef 2 5 7 4 12 Non-reef 4 14 7 4 5 Unclassified 4 2 1 0 1 Total 10 21 15 8 18 Identification of Candidate Areas A set of operational principles has been developed by reef and non-reef experts and biophysical scientists which will achieve the objectives of RAP. These operational principles include consideration of size, shape and linkages between different habitat types. Given the complexity of the data, implementing these operational principles will require analytical (computer-assisted) reserve selection tools. GBRMPA is developing analytical tools which will be a 'world-first'. Together with expert opinion, these analytical tools will enable identification of alternative networks of candidate areas which are both comprehensive and derived in a transparent manner. The process is generating national and international interest. miummummottureammintumataaa memaminzennisuranurmi Page 42 Selection of Candidate Areas Social, economic and cultural data are being collected and collated for use in the selection phase of the RAP. In this phase, selection of the final network of highly protected areas will be made from among the different candidate areas with the aim of maximising biodiversity while minimising negative impacts to users and other stakeholders. Data being collected include: existing zoning; aggregate trawl data; other aggregate commercial fisheries data; recreational fishing data; other recreational use data; Native Title claims; and tourism use. The data will help managers update the existing network of highly protected areas with maximum positive impacts to users and other stakeholders. Large Scale Perturbations Crown-of-thorns Starfish Crown-of-thorns starfish populations between Port Douglas and Townsville are currently high; many mid-shelf reefs are, once again, experiencing active outbreaks. Recent monitoring has provided a clearer picture of outbreak development. However, uncertainty exists concerning the role of human activities in increasing the severity or frequency of outbreaks. The Authority permits removal of crown-of-thorns starfish by scientists and tourism operators to protect designated areas of reef. Coral Bleaching As a result of a research collaboration between GBRMPA, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an early warning system for coral bleaching has been designed and implemented. A network of automatic weather stations has been established with permanent stations located at Agincourt Reef, Myrmidon Reef, Hardy Reef, Davies Reef, Cleveland Bay and Keppel Bay. Early warning will assist in the monitoring and reporting of coral bleaching, ensure that local-scale extra sources of stress on corals are avoided and keep Marine Park users informed. Staff from the Authority are also involved with a research collaboration with AIMS and CSIRO's Atmospheric Research Division to undertake a risk assessment of coral bleaching and the effects of climate change. The two main areas of focus are designing and testing a regional scale climate model for the Great Barrier Reef and assessing the ability of corals to adapt to climate change. 111111/MIZIWIIIIIRIMORMIIIMIIIMIRMERMII IIIMIIIIMINIIIIIIIMill Page 43 Cultural Heritage GBRMPA is required by its own Regulations to have regard to protect the cultural and heritage values of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples when assessing permit applications. GBRMPA has commenced work towards developing cooperative management agreements in conjunction with Indigenous communities adjacent to the GBRWHA. Cultural information will also be used to assess the implications of alternative management models under the RAP. Performance Analysis Because of the significance of dugong to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, conservation programs must take account of cultural sensitivities. Awareness-raising campaigns for threatened species were undertaken in Indigenous communities where as a result, a number of Indigenous communities south of Cooktown have voluntarily ceased dugong hunting until numbers have recovered to sustainable levels. GBRMPA staff advised on the development of the Hope Vale Community Hunting Management Plan in response to community and scientific concerns over population declines. Over the past year GBRMPA has been working on a collaborative project with researchers from James Cook University to examine how to best incorporate the wide range of public cultural heritage values practices into management. Draft consultant reports have received extensive comment from the Australian Heritage Commission and the World Heritage Branch of Environment Australia. The final report will be available in 2000-2001. World Heritage The protection of World Heritage values and attributes for the GBRWHA is a major responsibility of the Commonwealth. Maintenance of those values and attributes is an important consideration in the decision-making and management practices of the Authority. Performance Analysis As part of its commitment to maintaining World Heritage values, the Authority: prepared a brochure outlining the various initiatives where the Australian Government and GBRMPA has acted quickly and decisively to address threats to the GBRWHA (also available on the GBRMPA web site: http: / /www.gbrmpa.gov.au); submitted a report ('Framework for Management for the GBRWHA') to the World Heritage Bureau and Committee which addressed the five priority action areas identified by the Australian Committee for IUCN (the five priority action areas were Land and coastal catchment issues; Fisheries; Shipping and ship-sourced miumimmimommossammersititiairmissammileameraiwiwatuismanaamo Page 44 marine pollution; Representative Areas; and Resources for research and management). The World Heritage Bureau and Committee were satisfied with the GBRMPA report, commended the process and recommended its adoption as in the management of other World Heritage natural properties in Australia; and increased public awareness with preparation of a brochure in conjunction with Environment Australia and posters in conjunction with the Day-to-day Management Coordination Unit. The Commonwealth Government continued to work with the Queensland Government towards a proposal to add 28 inshore areas to the Marine Park. Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Reef Advisory Committee A Reef Advisory Committee (RAC) was established by the Authority to advise the Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Group. The Committee comprises a total of 15 members, including an independent Chair. The RAC first met on 24-25 February and again on 27-28 April 2000. INIAMIIILIIIIINIZeltilINIIMIMENMIOD INNIMMMINNIMMININIIMIll Page 45 ENIMIIIIIIMIIMINIPLIILIIIIKIALCIIIIII1111121.711/11111Z1111/01111:11/1121:101: Page 46 service Grou s The following service groups are fundamental for the Authority, to enable it to effectively manage the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Program Delivery Information Support Corporate Services PROGRAM DELIVERY The Program Delivery Group comprises units dealing with Planning, Impact Assessments, Permits, Indigenous Cultural Liaison and Local Marine Advisory Committees. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome Program Delivery supports the achievement of the broad outcomes and objectives of the four critical issues programs within the Authority. Strategic Objectives I. Ensure the natural values within the GBRMP are maintained or enhanced. Ensure the cultural values within the GBRMP are maintained or enhanced. Ensure the management of the Marine Park meets the obligations of the World Heritage Convention and other relevant international obligations. Minimise the individual and cumulative impacts of tourism and recreation on the GBRMP. Maintain diversity of opportunities for users of the Great Barrier Reef and minimise displacement of others. Ensure minimal degradation of the GBRMP by water pollution. Protect GBRMP values from impact of land use activities. Achieve integration of fisheries and ecosystem management. 111111MIMIALIMILIMUM411111111.111110MEWIMI0111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Page 47 Performance Analysis Environmental Management Systems (Permits) This year 692 permits comprising 860 permissions were granted for a range of activities in the Marine Park (see Table 2). There was a substantial increase in the number of tourism permits issued largely as a result of the finalisation of the Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Management and the introduction of the new standard tourism permits. A further 101 permits were transferred between operators during the year. QPWS, as delegates of the Authority, issued a total of 125 permits for collecting, moorings and educational permits during the year. Table 2. Permissions granted since 1995-1996 for activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Number Granted Permission Type 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 Tourism programs 343 311 352 204 432 Research programs 227 160 152 105 170 Education programs 66 44 46 63 61 Moorings 4 35 25 1 30 Collecting 127 60 54 69 66 Traditional hunting 23 57 52 35 17 Aquaculture 0 2 1 1 1 Sea dumping 2 0 0 2 2 Offshore structures 7 17 14 3 8 Removal of dangerous animals 13 14 12 5 23 Waste discharge 4 8 6 1 2 Tourist facilities 5 6 8 3 6 Other activities 16 40 57 23 42 Total permissions granted 837 754 779 515 860 During the year GBRMPA and QPWS trialed a new streamlined permit assessment process. Early results from the trial have been encouraging with applications being processed faster than last year. Most standard tourism permits have been processed close to the performance indicator period of eight weeks. A limited number of traditional hunting permits have been issued because of concerns surrounding the status of some vulnerable and endangered species. An electronic research permit application form has been developed and is now available on the GBRMPA web site at http:/ /www.gbrmpa.gov.au. This facilitates faster lodgement of applications and assists in the transfer of information between GBRMPA and QPWS staff for prompt assessment. A backlog of permit applications has been reduced considerably. The Eligibility Taskforce completed the assessment of 440 applications for exceptions to the eligibility provisions of the Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Page 48 Management. Over 60 requests for reconsideration of primary decisions relating to these applications have since been received. A long-term project has been to review the operational efficiency of the Permits Database. A consultant was contracted to develop functional specifications for a new database. The consultant delivered the first report with implementation planned in early 2001. Environmental Impact Management Coordination of major projects was restructured into four regions corresponding with the major Marine Park sections (Far Northern, Cairns, Central, Mackay/Capricorn). This structure allows project managers to be proactive and develop knowledge of individual sections. It has resulted in several unpermitted activities being recognised and dealt with accordingly. There are 70 current major developments being considered by GBRMPA; 50 assessments were completed in 1999-2000. Large, complex projects such as Nelly Bay Boat Harbour (Townsville), Keswick Island (Mackay), several offshore structures and defence liaison require ongoing management. Significant additional work has also been associated with the new Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Aquaculture) Regulations 2000. A selection of management tools (see Figure 5) were used by Authority staff to ensure that developments in the GBRMP and World Heritage Area complied with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development. Legislation International conventions Case law Policy • Plans of Management • Strategic Plan Guidelines Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Systems (Permit, Deed, Bond, Environmental Impact Management Plan, Environmental Site Supervisor, Monitoring, Compliance, Education) Ecologically Sustainable Development Figure 5. The hierarchy of management tools which may be used by the Authority to ensure ecologically sustainable development of the GBRWHA. 111111/101101111.111111:11111 WWII SIM IllakillORMIMIIIIMM11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Page 49 Planning Statutory planning projects have been undertaken to address both short- and long- term management issues in areas of the Marine Park. Cairns Area and Whitsundays Plans of Management Plans of management for the Cairns Area and Whitsundays, gazetted on 22 June 1998, have been progressively implemented. Amendments to the Plans were finalised in 1999. Progress on further amendments has been made during the year. Hinchinbrook Area Work has continued on the Hinchinbrook Plan of Management and the Cardwell- Hinchinbrook Regional Coastal Management Plan. Interim management arrangements will remain in place until these plans are finalised. The Hinchinbrook Plan of Management will be a statutory plan for GBRMP areas in the Hinchinbrook region. Both plans will aim to address issues in the Hinchinbrook Island area, renowned for its wilderness qualities. The Cardwell-Hinchinbrook Regional Coastal Management Plan is an initiative of the Queensland Government. Extensions to the Marine Park Proposals for extensions to the GBRMP (to include 18 of 28 currently excluded coastal areas) were prepared for consideration and discussion with the Queensland Government in June 1999. Following Queensland's agreement for the inclusion of 12 of these areas, GBRMPA has prepared documentation for the proclamation of the 12 areas which is expected by August 2000. Capricorn/Bunker Area Planning for the Capricorn/Bunker Groups of islands, which began in late 1997, has been delayed in order to give priority to the Commonwealth Government's commitment to extending the Marine Park to incorporate the coastal 'excluded areas' Far Northern Section A revised Zoning Plan, prepared as an outcome of the review of the Far Northern Section, was submitted to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage in December 1998 for his consideration in accordance with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. The Minister considered alterations to the Plan: these were subsequently incorporated. The Plan was resubmitted and accepted by the Minister and was subsequently laid before both Houses of Parliament for the required 15 sitting days. The Plan is expected to be operational in 2001. The Far Northern Section is regarded as the most remote and biologically diverse of all Marine Park sections. The management intent is primarily the protection of biodiversity, recognition of the interests of Indigenous peoples adjacent to the section, the maintenance of the remote and undeveloped character of the region, and the provision for ecologically sustainable use. 111111111111111111111111111111RIME111111REIMIII 11111131111M1111116. 171111:1011111111110 IIV Page S0 Gumoo Woojabuddee Section The Gumoo Woojabuddee Section, situated adjacent to the central Queensland coast in the Shoalwater Bay region, was proclaimed in 1998 in response to the recommendations of the 1993-1994 Commonwealth Commission of Inquiry into the Shoalwater Bay. A Zoning Plan for the Section was released for public review on 12 March 1999. Comments on the Plan were open to interested persons and the general public until 7 May 1999. The Plan was presented to the Minister in January 2000 and is expected to be operational in 2001. Local Marine Advisory Committees Local Marine Advisory Committees (LMACs) were established by the Authority in 1999, at nine regional coastal communities along the Queensland coast; Cooktown, Port Douglas, Cairns, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Whitsunday, Mackay and Gladstone. These committees have replaced the Regional Marine Resource Advisory Committees (RMRACs) which commenced operation in 1993. The LMACs provide a forum for the local community and representative stakeholder groups to discuss marine resource management issues and advise the Authority accordingly. They provide a communication link between stakeholder groups and management agencies. The purpose is to improve public awareness and education on matters affecting the Marine Park. LMACs consist of voluntary members. Members usually have an interest in marine resource issues and may be independent, or represent a constituent group. Each LMAC is chaired by a member who is charged with the task of monitoring the representativeness of the committee and recruiting additional members from existing and emerging interest groups. The committees are funded by the Authority and meet every two months. A consultant was employed in late 1999 to facilitate development of work programs for each committee. An annual meeting of the LMAC Chairs, held in April 2000, enabled members to discuss the coordination of their work programs and local issues. The LMACs are now actively pursuing these goals in their work programs. Indigenous Cultural Liaison Unit Indigenous peoples live in all communities adjacent to the GBRMP coast. In total, there are more than 40 recognised language groupings traditionally affiliated with the area and a significant number of people with historical association. To assist all areas of the Authority to deal with Indigenous issues, a small three person unit operates within the Program Delivery Group. This Indigenous Cultural Liaison Unit (ICLU) provides strategic support and assistance to the four critical issues groups and liaises directly with Indigenous representatives outside the government. Following a request from the Ministerial Council, ICLU assisted in the drafting of a wiwinouramaliantaimmanawantammmummumm Page Si costed strategy for cooperative management involving Indigenous communities and managing agencies. A draft strategy will be presented to State and Federal Ministers in 2000-2001. At the local scale, arrangements for management of turtle and dugong hunting were negotiated at Hope Vale and Mossman. The Hope Vale Community has developed a hunting management plan which has received widespread attention. Support was provided to Girringun Elders and Reference Group from Cardwell to negotiate involvement in day-to-day management projects around the Hinchinbrook area. ICLU staff also presented lectures at James Cook University summer school courses and participated in the cross-cultural induction training for new Authority staff. INFORMATION SUPPORT The Information Support Group works as a service group for all areas of the Authority including the Executive, the Critical Issues Groups, Corporate Services, Program Delivery and Reef HQ. It comprises the following areas: Research and Monitoring Coordination Information Technology Information Coordination and Analysis Library Services Public Information and Production Training and Advisory Services Major activities this year included: production of a comprehensive list of key information needs for the management of the GBRMP and World Heritage Area; liaison with the CRC Reef Research Centre to finalise its research program for 2000-2007; development of a set of draft environmental indicators for State of the Reef Reporting; and the commencement of a program to create more accurate maps of the GBRWHA. Following review, the Public Information and Production Unit was outsourced in the later part of 1999-2000. Some staff from the unit were reassigned to the Communication and Education Group and the Information Coordination and Analysis Unit. immimommerfaminimormitu 01111111111 Page 52 Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To ensure the Authority's policies and decisions are based on the best available information and are understood and accepted by all sectors of the community. Strategic Objectives To identify key priority areas for information and communication. To ensure the best scientific and technical information is available for decisions and policies of the Authority. To provide information systems and services that meet the needs and priorities of the Authority and partner organisations, and achieve efficiency gains through the strategic and effective application of information technology. To supply an effective and proactive library information service which meets the information needs of its clients and provides leadership in the specialist field of marine information management. To ensure that the Authority's decisions and policies are understood and supported by all stakeholders. To facilitate training programs and workshops in Management of Marine Protected Areas and Integrated Coastal Zone Management techniques, to provide the Authority's expertise nationally and internationally To provide spatial data and services to the Authority and to ensure all information holdings are accessible and secure. Performance Analysis Research and Monitoring Coordination (R&MC) It is the role of R&MC to ensure that management decisions are based on the best available scientific information. During 1999-2000, the unit continued to fulfil its six major functions of: identifying key information needs and research priorities; commissioning research; coordinating the monitoring of impacts of major developments; disseminating research results; reporting on the status of the GBRWHA; and supporting training of postgraduate students. The members of the unit maintain scientific expertise within GBRMPA necessary for understanding and interpreting this information. Page 53 Identifying Key Information Needs and Research Priorities —A New Approach In 1999-2000, R&MC took a proactive approach to identifying information needs and setting research priorities for managing the GBRMP and World Heritage Area. Workshops were held with the major client groups within the Authority to produce GBRMPA's first comprehensive list of research and information needs. This list has been used to ensure that research commissioned by GBRMPA (see below) is based on key needs for critical issues management. Commissioning Research Most of the Authority's research needs are met through outsourcing. The CRC Reef Research Centre is the primary research provider, and the unit maintained extensive liaison with the Centre to ensure that the research program closely reflects GBRMPA's research priorities. Ongoing close liaison will ensure the continuing value of the CRC Reef's tasks to GBRMPA. Some key research priorities not covered by the CRC Reef were commissioned from other research providers. Coordinating the Monitoring of Impacts of Major Developments A major task undertaken by R&MC was the development and implementation of the Impact Monitoring Program (part of the Environmental Impact Management Program) for the Nelly Bay Harbour development on Magnetic Island. An Impact Monitoring Program is also being prepared for a development at Keswick Island. Disseminating Research Results In 1999-2000, R&MC published 10 research publications. Details can be found on the Authority's web site. Another important tool for disseminating research results is the Reef Research newsletter. Three editions of Reef Research were published in 1999-2000 and R&MC continues to receive positive feedback from the newsletter's readership. The most recent edition of Reef Research and back issues from 1996 onwards are also available on the Authority's web site at http: / /www.gbrmpa.gov.au/ corp_site /info_services /publications /reef_research/ Between October 1999 and March 2000, GBRMPA hosted 11 presentations as part of the GBRMPA Seminar Series. This series disseminates the latest research information to researchers and managers in the Townsville area. Reporting on the Status of the GBRWHA During 1999-2000, R&MC built on the success of the State of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area 1998 report. The entire report is now available on the world wide web at http: / /www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services /publications / sotr / The development of a set of environmental indicators for the GBRWHA is underway. A first draft has been produced. The indicators are being further developed and refined. The final set of environmental indicators will form an integral part of the next State of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area report, due for release at the end of 2003. 1111111111111111111111110131M1 111111111ELVE1WAIIRMIKOLIUME11 1111 Page 54 A research task to develop performance indicators for management of the GBRWHA is being carried out through the CRC Reef Research Centre. This is closely allied to the above project. The project will provide information on the management response for State of the Reef reporting, and contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of management of the GBRMP. During 1999-2000, models and indicators for evaluating management effectiveness have been trialed using case studies. The management of the Whitsundays planning area and the application of the new Plan of Management was one case study. Supporting Training of Postgraduate Students In 1999-2000, the Authority awarded a total of $9490 to seven postgraduate students as Augmentative Research Grants. In addition, GBRMPA provided further support to postgraduate students through seven grants under the Australian Research Council's Strategic Partnerships with Industry - Research and Training scheme. Other Functions In conjunction with the Environmental Impact Management Unit, R&MC provides ongoing support to the Environmental Research Ethics Advisory Committee (EREAC). EREAC met five times during 1999-2000 in Townsville. The Committee was established to ensure that research conducted in the GBRWHA meets appropriate ethical standards relating to environmental impacts in the World Heritage Area. Information Technology (IT) Evaluating the effectiveness of outsourcing has been a major focus for the IT Services Unit during 1999-2000. Significant resources were utilised in preparing tender information and responding to requests for information from prospective tenderers. This issue and associated staffing implications has yet to be resolved. The IT unit underwent a comprehensive audit of all IT issues conducted by Audit Victoria. Several of the suggestions from the resulting report have been implemented. Assessing and Prioritising User Needs The IT Strategic Plan, which aims at addressing priority user needs has been implemented. IT training courses were developed and modified to meet the increased requirements of the changing staff profile, the increasing complexity of software packages and the demands of a sophisticated professional staff. There continues to be a very high demand for IT training because of the number of temporary and contract staff. Effective User Support to Improve Productivity Streamlined help desk procedures and supporting software have been developed to ensure effective user support. Software and user procedures are being constantly refined to improve responsiveness to support needs. A comprehensive software audit was undertaken enabling more effective planning for future software upgrades. Page 55 Effective Information Systems to Meet Authority Needs The outsourcing evaluation resulted in limited resources being available to address all the Information Systems requirements identified during the early 1999 needs analysis. However, significant progress was achieved in many areas. During the year corporate travel, inventory of publications, and the 'Eye-on-the Reef' volunteer monitoring program databases were developed. Functional specifications and design of a new system for the management of permits and the EMC have been developed by an external consultant. Both the external Internet and the internal Intranet have been redeveloped to facilitate better access to information and ease of use. There is an increasing reliance on the Intranet for corporate information and communication. Effective Accessible Network and Technical Services As a result of effective long-term planning in both information systems development and IT infrastructure the transition to 1 January 2000 presented no problems to the Authority's systems. The firewall system purchased in June 1999 to increase network security was installed and configured successfully. Network and server availability continues to be maintained at a very high level. Information Coordination and Analysis (ICA) In the second full year of operation, ICA has undergone significant structural changes: the ICA now includes Cartography and Geographic Information System (GIS). This heralds a progressive change from manual to GIS-based production methods which will see improvements in the quality and maintenance of the Authority's core spatial information databases and maps. A GIS request database allows Authority staff to submit requests for spatial information online, and supports stringent monitoring and accounting of ICA's productivity. Over 320 GIS requests were completed in the 1999-2000 financial year, averaging 27 per month. Ongoing training, and increasing awareness of ICA capabilities, is broadening perceptions of the role of the unit. As a result, data management and analysis support for Critical Issues Groups, including the Representative Areas Program, is on the increase. The Reef Wide Mapping Project moved ahead rapidly in the latter half of the financial year. The project will use Landsat-7 images to provide GIS layers suitable for mapping between 1:50 000 and 1:100 000 scale. This has far-reaching implications for planning, management and enforcement. Indirect benefits will include the ability to directly visualise reefs, image analysis services for air-photo and satellite data, and semi- automated procedures for the production of 1:250 000 zoning maps. The commitment to the provision of high quality spatial data in easily accessible formats has seen important advances in the Authority's digital map information. These include a satellite Image Map and conversion to the new Geocentric Datum. Page 56 Library Services New services established as a result of the information-needs survey have been operating smoothly. Feedback has been positive and requests resulting from ALERTS have been constant. Demand for Library services has remained steady. Developing the GBRMPA Library Collection Accessions to the Library collection were similar in number to 1998-1999. As a result of the external cataloguing contract most of the cataloguing backlog was reduced. Most new items are catalogued within one week. Overall staff loans increased by 15 per cent reflecting a similar increase in 1998-1999. The library on-line catalogue, Horizon, continues to be provide a reliable service. The last upgrade was completed efficiently with negligible downtime. The circulation system has provided efficiency gains in check-in and check-out times, notification of overdue items and in tracking items on loan. Reference Service Library REVEAL and ALERT services continued to be efficient and effective in assisting staff in maintaining currency on relevant issues. These services are offered electronically, via e-mail. With interlibrary loan request forms available electronically on the Intranet, the request process is fast and streamlined. All library web pages have been revamped to show existing services and the range of new services available. Access to electronic journals has been increasing. The total number of staff interlibrary loan requests was slightly less than the previous year. Where GBRMPA holds copyright, the full text of staff papers is now available in a searchable database on the external web. Image Collection The number of new images catalogued into the collection has decreased but image loans have increased by 15 per cent. In addition to Authority staff, QPWS and Environment Australia officers have been regular users of the image collection. There has been extremely positive feedback to Reef Snapshots — images available specifically for school projects available on the Authority's external web site. The fully searchable database of images is now available on the external web at: http: / /www.gbrmpa.gov.au / corp_site /info_services /library /resources /image_collection/ The archiving project continues; images are scanned onto cd rom. Cleaning and weeding of the collection is being undertaken in conjunction with the archiving project. REEF Bibliographic Database REEF is a bibliographic database, managed by GBRMPA, which is commercially available both in CD format and via the Internet through Informit. REEF indexes journal articles, books, maps, videos, and cd roms which describe or illustrate some 11111/111010.111.11filloramoitamorammewasms Page 57 aspect of the Great Barrier Reef. Successful outsourcing arrangements for article indexing continue: records now include a short abstract. This adds to the quality of this nationally recognised database. Public Information and Production Most print-based or graphic design products were produced on schedule through 1999-2000 and client requests were fully met. Major projects were: The 1998-1999 Annual Report; Dugong and Turtle Information Kits; Cairns Area and Whitsunday Plans of Management; Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; GBRMPA Service Charter. The public information staff continued to deliver a prompt and courteous service answering detailed requests for information. An average of 220 information-related telephone calls were taken by the Authority's switchboard each week. At least 2400 written and telephone requests were answered during the year: the majority of requests are answered within two days. Training and Advisory Services (TASU) Operations of TASU were downsized during 1999-2000. Senior staff moved either to positions with the CRC Reef Research Centre, other Canberra-based agencies, or retired from service with GBRMPA. Junior staff previously attached to the unit were relocated to other sections within the Authority. No new consultancies were accepted and as a result no further business and marketing activities are being undertaken: several small projects remain to be completed. A part-time officer is currently supervising the final stages of these programs. The report on the proceedings of the successful ITMEMS conference held in Townsville in November 1998 was finalised and published and a further tender for training and advice on marine park management in the Maldives was completed. Two-day induction courses for Authority staff were managed by the unit on 27-28 July 1999 and 29 February-1 March 2000. The Marine Protected Areas training course for students at James Cook University run by the School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography was successfully conducted: TASU provided administrative support, some organisational elements, course materials and coordinated the engagement of course presenters. Official visitors from Vietnam and Mexico were hosted in 1999 and this year visitors from Indonesia and Japan were briefed by Authority officers on topics related to coral reef MIX 11111111111:41M01111; t Page 58 management and new policy directions. There is considerable interest in the work of GBRMPA and requests for international assistance continue to be received. Arrangements for hosting these delegations in future are still to be finalised. CORPORATE SERVICES Ensuring that the Authority has appropriate resources and support to achieve its objectives is a continuing priority. The effective use of resources relies on the integration of flexible and efficient systems and practices for the management of human, physical and financial resources. Strategic Direction Broad Outcome To deliver a management framework and support services that help to facilitate the effective functioning of the Authority. Strategic Objectives To achieve a corporate planning and financial management framework which is efficient and provides timely, flexible and easily accessible decision support systems to managers and staff. To achieve a human resource management framework which supports the achievement of corporate objectives by attracting, developing and retaining individuals within an environment which promotes accountability and equity and encourages innovation, creativity and improved performance; To provide efficient, effective and professional secretariat services to support the operation of the Authority's committee structure; To ensure the Environment Management Charge is administered in a cost effective and efficient manner and sound relationships with clients are maintained; To ensure a safe working environment and an adequate standard of accommodation and office equipment; and To provide ongoing corporate services which are benchmarked to appropriate standards and responsive to organisational needs. Performance Analysis Major Achievements Outcomes- and outputs-based budget framework further developed to meet Government financial reporting requirements. Page 59 Financial management arrangements adapted for the implementation of the new tax system. New Human Resource Management system introduced without incident. System working very effectively Procedures introduced and amended to meet the requirements of the Public Service Act 1999. A set of Corporate Guidelines and Procedures developed and promulgated through the Intranet. A new Financial Management Information System selected, scoping study completed and a contract signed to commence implementation. Authority Strategic Plans for the periods 1999-2000 to 2001-2002 were developed and published. Secretariat unit structure reviewed with the unit assuming additional responsibilities including providing services to four RACs within existing staffing levels. A sound EMC compliance framework established with client reviews undertaken in the Cairns and Whitsunday areas. Human Resource Management Unit staffing structure reviewed and new structure established. Introduction of streamlined selection and recruitment guidelines and procedures. Canberra Office restructured with related staffing issues resolved amicably. Lease approved for Authority's office accommodation for five-year period with options for up to a further six years. Refurbishment of base building commenced. Staffing issues associated with outsourcing of the Publications function managed effectively and transition to new structure undertaken. Management pay-offer to staff for current round of Enterprise Bargaining developed and released for comment. Electronic funds transfer for certain payment categories introduced. Electronic Travel system introduced. Corporate systems Year 2000 compliant. Internal Audit contractor appointed. Audit Committee and Audit program both working very effectively. Resource Management The re-alignment of the program structure to report on outputs and outcomes continued during the year with the majority of positions within the Authority being staffed on a continuing basis. (Details of staffing as at 30 June 2000 are shown in Appendix D). The output groups developed for the 1999-2000 portfolio budget mismommummesimintumanamairsicue Page 60 statements provide a sound appreciation of the focus of the Authority's activities but will continue to be refined to provide improved reporting structures. Corporate governance was a high priority during the year and steps were taken to enhance compliance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. Environmental Management Charge (EMC) In 1999-2000 the amount of the EMC collected by the Authority was $5.8 million. A review of compliance with EMC statutory requirements recommended the introduction of a structured control framework. A sound compliance framework which incorporates educational and client review elements was introduced during 1999-2000 and a significant number of client reviews were undertaken. Staff within the EMC Unit are providing ongoing advice and guidance to clients to ensure that they are conversant with their statutory obligations. Continuing development and improvement of the compliance framework will be a high priority in the 2000-2001 financial year. The Authority is using EMC revenue to fund research, provide user education and manage the resource. EMC logbooks were modified during the year to clarify the recording of visitors categories. The modifications have contributed to the collection of revenue and improvements to the integrity of the reef visitor database which records the number of visitors to each location within the Marine Park. This database is a valuable resource for managers, planners, the tourism industry and researchers. Payroll Services Payroll services are now delivered through an external bureau service with data input from the Human Resources Unit. The procurement of payroll services has eliminated the need to purchase and operate a separate human resource management system within GBRMPA. This strategy is a cost-effective approach which was introduced without complication or incident. Additional modules are being introduced to provide an important source of human resource data for strategic planning and future human resource management purposes. Employee Development During 1999-2000 the Authority spent $56 840 in providing training and development opportunities for employees. In addition to conference attendance, this covered a wide range of training and development activities. A review of the structure of the Human Resources Unit and the appointment of staff to key positions has provided an opportunity to plan a strategic approach to employee development. 11/11/11010111:11111111:11411101a1111111111121101WADIII I Page 61 Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Diversity The Authority recognises the contribution made by its employees by providing a participative, consultative work environment. This enables employees to contribute to program development and decision-making processes within the statutory framework of the responsibilities and powers of the Authority. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) data for the Authority's staff is provided in Appendix D. The peak consultative mechanism between management and employees is the Authority Consultative Group (ACG). This group comprises a mix of management representatives and elected employee representatives. The ACG is scheduled to meet formally every three months with further opportunity to meet monthly. In addition to these formal meetings, elected representatives and management can meet on an informal basis to consider issues as they arise. At each formal meeting of the ACG the following standing agenda items are discussed: Staffing and equipment resources • Finances Equal Employment Opportunity • Accommodation Employee training and development • Occupational Health and Safety Employee selection and vacancies • Information Technology Other issues discussed by the ACG included: Flexible Remuneration Packaging the Human Resource Management Information System Review of the Secretariat Unit Office security the Certified Agreement Audit Reporting The Authority also provided employees with the following workplace relations training: Certified Agreement Making Everyday Workplace Relations EEO outcomes for the year include: Inclusion in the GBRMPA Certified Agreement 1998-2000 of a number of family friendly and employee choice initiatives. These include flexible work hours, time-off in lieu of overtime arrangements, Purchased Leave, Home Based Work, part-time employment. Maintaining access to part-time work, particularly for female employees returning to work after periods of Maternity Leave; Sustained high level of use of Study Assistance by EEO target group members; Increased access by staff to timely and comprehensive information on employment related issues through the use of the GBRMPA Intranet; 1111111111111111111111111111111110113141111111111:0111: 3111111111111111115ELISZEIWINIMII1111010111•11111 Page 62 Inclusion of a Carers Room as part of the management offer for the certified agreement 2000-2003; Inclusion of Maternity Leave at half pay as part of the management offer for the certified agreement 2000-2003; Development of a draft Disability Action Plan; Commitment to develop a Workplace Diversity Plan; Increase in the representation of women in the workplace. The percentage of female employees has increased from 49 per cent in 1998-1999 to 55 per cent in 1999-2000. Accommodation The agreement to lease office accommodation in Townsville was concluded after a protracted tender process. The Authority has been able to meet short to medium-term accommodation requirements at competitive rates and remain collocated with Reef HQ. As part of the agreement, new conference rooms for the office complex have been comprehensively refurbished and the new facade will provide a modern, professional presence for the Authority. Access and Equity 1999-2000 saw the establishment of a series of nine community-based LMACs in the main centres along the coast adjacent to the GBRMP. These Committees provide access at the local level, facilitating an opportunity for people to identify regional issues and to have input to the development of policy responses to the problems facing the Marine Park. The LMACs have developed detailed work programs which identify regional issues of importance as well as broader issues of concern throughout the GBRMP. Membership is not static and is monitored in the interests of access and equity. The Authority's relationship with Indigenous people is important. All major planning exercises for the Marine Park now include processes for consultation with Indigenous communities. During 1999-2000 the major focus for consultation was on development and delivery of conservation programs relating to dugongs and turtles and the Representative Areas Program. The Authority is working with the Queensland Government and Indigenous communities to develop strategies for the co- management of marine and coastal areas. Internal and External Scrutiny Contracts for the provision of internal audit and evaluation services continued with Pacific Bridge Pty Ltd and Audit Victoria. By developing and utilising these contractual arrangements, the Authority will secure capable and efficient compliance and performance audit services. 111/1111Z10111111111:1141MIIMM11161134/0WAPI I Page 63 In line with the Commonwealth Government's increased focus on accountability and corporate governance, audit activity has concentrated on areas of high risk and the adequacy of existing control frameworks. Internal Audits were undertaken in the following areas of operation during the 1999-2000 financial year: Information Technology systems; Contract management; Project management; Consultants and Contractors; Revenue; and Day-to-day Management. The external audit of the Authority's 1999-2000 Financial Statements was undertaken by Arthur Andersen under contract to the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). The Auditor-General's report of the Financial Statements of Commonwealth Entities for 1998-1999 (Audit Report No. 21 of 1999-2000) was tabled in Federal Parliament during 1999-2000. The internal Audit Committee was mindful of the recommendations made in other reports from the ANAO and has considered steps to facilitate the implementation of relevant recommendations. During 1999-2000 there were no external reviews that related specifically to GBRMPA. Human resource management decision making by the Authority during 1999-2000 was regarded as sound. There were no actions relating to the appealable selection processes and no comments were made by the Commonwealth Ombudsman in relation to human resource management activities. There were no other external reviews of human resource management decisions during the period. 11111111111111111•11111111111[6:111101 Page 64 Day-to-day raymiarimmilitatimmismVi imqvaguzsnt Program, ield management of the Marine Park is achieved through a partnership between FGBRMPA and QPWS. The Day-to-day Management Group is a specialist team established to implement management of marine parks and island national parks within the Great Barrier Reef region. This work is supported by arrangements with other agencies for provision of aerial surveillance, compliance and enforcement services. Strategic Direction Ensuring that there is effective and efficient marine parks management is a continuing priority for GBRMPA in partnership with QPWS. Demands on the Day-to-day Management Program continue to increase in direct proportion to the increasing use of the GBRWHA. The challenge is to find innovative ways to maintain high standards for core programs such as resource protection and compliance and education, while re- allocating resources as necessary to address emerging priorities. The desired outcome is to provide a cost-effective, coordinated and accountable program of activities. The aim is to achieve effective marine parks management through strategic priorities by: Continuous improvement and changes to workplace practices that investigate, develop and implement operational strategies which ensure a larger percentage of resources are directed to field operations. Maintaining an effective enforcement, surveillance and compliance capacity and capabilities to ensure that the provisions of relevant legislation are observed by GBRWHA users. Enhancing interpretation through coordination of education priorities and ensuring that implementation of identified themes is delivered efficiently. Providing protection of key areas for vulnerable species, essential works for protection of key high-use sites and priority feral animal, weed control and ecological fire management. Maintaining, to a high standard, existing recreational infrastructure with degraded facilities receiving high priority attention. WILIMIRLIIIIIIIMIUM411111111WISMOVADIMMIIIIIMIIIIMININIIIIIIIIIIIN111111111•11111111•11111 Page 65 Performance Analysis Program Management The Day-to-day Management Strategy and Operations Groups were effective in providing strategic direction, clear priorities and practical strategies for achieving these priorities. This culminated in the satisfactory resolution of the tied funding issues between the Commonwealth and State. A number of improvements were made to programming, reporting and accountability. These included: a standardised format for annual operational planning and adoption of protocols and guidelines to support this process; refinement of required reporting regimes including reports to GBRMPA and QPWS; and development of cost effective standardised vessel reporting and vessel tracking systems for implementation on 1 July 2000. Changes to asset management practices were also accomplished. The capital replacement and maintenance program was reintroduced and business principles adopted. This enabled the replacement of two vessels, the Larus and Nypa, and provision of a major refit for the vessel Sirenia. Initial capital provisioning for the replacement of the vessel Capri was achieved at the six-month review. Replacement of outboard motors and necessary vessel equipment was also achieved which further enabled effective vessel operations. Having returned the vessel replacement / maintenance program to a satisfactory operating level the next challenge will be to bring the infrastructure maintenance and plant and equipment programs up to a satisfactory level. The Day-to-day Management training program was successfully implemented with 323 participants taking part in 31 courses. Training courses were convened throughout the Great Barrier Reef region with the majority of participants (77 per cent) being Program staff. Places were also made available to other staff from QPWS, QEPA and GBRMPA and other external participants who are involved in various aspects of GBRMP management. The 1999-2000 program concentrated on Program priorities, in particular, incident response including marine strandings, carcass retrieval and oil spills. Invaluable hands on experience was gained by Program officers in oil spill response procedures during an oil spill in January 2000 at the Phillip Island Nature Reserve, Victoria. Compliance A review of compliance and enforcement activities was completed and a risk-based Reef-Wide Compliance Strategy was developed. The Commonwealth-funded Enforcement and Compliance Initiative was implemented with the additional funding increasing enforcement and compliance capacity. Benefits of this funding have 11111111MMINIIIIIIIIIDI:IMINIM:a:#1111; 11M41AIM 111111911111411611 1111 Page 66 included: an increased presence in the Marine Park by QPWS and QBFP; special operations concentrating on identified problem areas; trialing of advanced sonar technology; and investigation and purchase of surveillance equipment. The initiative, in combination with a cultural shift, has increased the focus on compliance and effective inter-agency collaboration and cooperation. This has enabled the detection of a number of offences under Commonwealth and State core and non- core legislation with the outcome of increased offence detection and deterrence. Under core legislation administered by the Program two hundred and eight-one (281) infringements were detected; a 22 per cent increase on detections over the previous 12 months. A 25 per cent increase in successful prosecutions was also recorded. This resulted in fines totalling $51 600. It is anticipated that the number of prosecutions will increase in 2000-2001. One hundred and fourteen (114) infringements are still under investigation or awaiting processing through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Program staff conducted 1657 days of vessel patrols in the GBRMP over the past 12 months achieving the highest level of management presence in the past five years. Additional vessel patrols were also conducted by the Queensland Water Police, QBFP and QPWS through the Commonwealth-funded initiative and joint patrol cooperation. Aerial surveillance undertaken by the Australian Customs as part of their Coastwatch operation continued to provide regular coverage of the World Heritage Area, focusing on Marine National Park 'B' and Preservation zones. Coastwatch provided reports of 23 marine parks infringements that were passed on to Program enforcement officers for follow-up action. Coastwatch also participated in the Commonwealth's Enforcement Initiative, in particular an inter-agency operation targeting illegal trawling in the Cross Shelf Transect in the Far Northern Section. Resource Management and Monitoring The review of monitoring activities was completed. This culminated in the adoption of a monitoring policy for the Day-to-day Management Program which lays the foundation for a structured approach to the development, implementation and finalisation of projects. A seabird monitoring strategy was also developed. The review of incident response procedures commenced with refinements made during the year. Significant resources were devoted to marine animal strandings, carcass retrievals and necropsies. Necropsy of carcasses has been undertaken by trained Program officers, Department of Primary Industries veterinarians and staff from James Cook University. QPWS Gladstone District staff were successful in releasing a 15 m stranded humpback whale at Port Clinton. Assistance was provided by both recreational and commercial INNAZIORLIIMItillantillEMINVILIIMIPAIIDI. Page 67 fishers together with defence personnel involved in Crocodile'99. Surveillance and enforcement of DPAs received high priority, both through normal operations and participation in the Commonwealth Enforcement Initiative. The seizure of three nets in the Shoalwater Bay DPA indicates that vigilance is still required. Vessel support was provided to the Dugong Transit Lanes project in the Hinchinbrook Channel. Reef protection markers were installed in the Capricorn/Bunker Group to minimise the impacts of vessels dropping anchors on coral. Dune protection projects were completed at Whitsunday and Border Islands, with revegetation of the tip site on Lindeman Island completed with the assistance of the Whitsunday Volunteers Association. Visitor Facilities and Services The Day-to-day Management Program continued to maintain an extensive but necessary range of visitor services and facilities including publications, information centres at key locations, signage at access points and in the terrestrial national parks, walking tracks and camp grounds on approximately 55 islands. Reef protection markers and moorings are located in high-use areas. Complementing the recurrent workload of maintaining these services and facilities, achievements through the year included: establishment of collaborative partnerships for a display at Heron Island, and an information centre in Townsville; completion of the conservation works to Mary Watson's Cottage in Lizard Island National Park which won a Gold Award from the Queensland National Trust; upgrading priority signage in a number of key locations within the GBRWHA, with installation to be completed in 2000-2001; and completion of stage two of the camping ground rehabilitation at North West Island, construction of bollards and tables at Rabbit Island, and jetty maintenance at Heron Island. Enhanced information products and displays were produced including: new zoning brochures and displays for the Cairns Section of the GBRMP with the product concept to be extended reef-wide; generic displays for the GBRWHA; a Heron Island turtle research shelter display; tide timetables incorporating information on the Animal Strandings Hotline; and interpretive panels at the Abel Point Marine Operations Base Information Kiosk, with designs completed for the Hill Inlet boardwalk and lookout. Community volunteers have been making an invaluable contribution to marine parks 1111111111111111111111111111111PINISMIMIMUIMMINFAILINIZINIMINI, ;Dr Page 68 management for many years. This assistance has continued over the past 12 months. Future Outlook A solid foundation has been laid for the future with 2000-2001 being viewed as a positive year of consolidation. The funding for the Program in 2000-2001 will be improved with a commitment by the Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage and Natural Resources to provide agreed funds to match Commonwealth appropriation. An additional $1.2 million, as part of the Commonwealth three-year funding for enhanced surveillance and enforcement, will also be available in 2000-2001, and will be used to undertake targeted enforcement programs. The priorities for the Program will be focussed upon: 1. Resource Protection Protection of key areas for vulnerable species (e.g. DPAs, turtle and sea bird nesting sites). Compliance with protected areas requirements (e.g. marine national park and preservation zoning and national parks legislation). Essential works for protection of key high use sites, including anchor damage mitigation (using markers and moorings), cultural site protection (e.g. Nara Inlet rock art site, historic light house conservation), and facilities to protect high use sites. Priority feral animal and weed control and ecological burning programs. Public information programs necessary to support the above. Maintenance of essential management infrastructure and priority visitor facilities. 11/AMINIAM11311111MMIIIIMIGRUBWAMIFINIMM1111110110111111011111111•111111ININIIII Page 69 Page 70 Reef HQ n 18 August 1999, Reef HQ became the new name for the Great Barrier Reef 0A quarium. The repositioning was more than just a change of name and brand—it was a repositioning of the facility to uphold its community education focus as the Reef Education Centre for GBRMPA. Reef HQ continues to provide efficient and effective educational experiences. Visitors are able to understand the value of the GBRMP and GBRWHA through information and activities that encourage sustainable use. Reef HQ seeks to inspire everyone to look after the Great Barrier Reef. Strategic Direction The Authority's education and communications activities were amalgamated into one section in July 2000. The Communication and Education Group incorporates the education, media, marketing and public information teams and aims to develop improved strategies for GBRMPA to better balance its role and relationship with stakeholders. Reef HQ is part of this group. Internally, Reef HQ reviewed all elements of the visitor experience—talks, tours, exhibits and education programs. The review will ensure that the visitor will receive the best possible experience during their visit. Services for visitors using English as a second language will be expanded. This will be achieved through the development and implementation of multilingual audio tours and specialist education programs targeting foreign language markets. Performance Analysis Awards Reef HQ continued to make a significant contribution to regional tourism: this was acknowledged by the receipt of two significant regional awards. In May 2000, Reef HQ won the 2000 Townsville North Queensland Tourism Award for Environmental Tourism and was a finalist in the Queensland Tourism Awards. The Student Volunteer Program was awarded the Townsville City Council Environmental Excellence Award (High School Category) in June 2000. INICIMIUMMIIMED1111111111111110011EMDIOD Page 71 Interpretive Program With the change of name to Reef HQ, the interpretive program was completely revised. This process included evaluating and redeveloping existing presentations, providing training for staff and volunteers and incorporating feedback for continual improvement. Changes to the Interpretive Program included the: development of a new Reef Alive Dive Show; upgrading of the Reef HQ Audiovisual Show; and modification of all talks and tours to improve visitor retention and participation. School holiday programs have been developed to complement Reef HQ exhibits and activities themes, remaining attractive to general visitors and incorporating reef conservation and management messages. Reef HQ's mascots, Lucky T Turtle and Captain Catastrophe, have been actively involved in the success of these school programs. Reef HQ Exposed was held in August 1999 as part of the renaming celebrations. This open day presented Reef HQ for public scrutiny—visitors were able to explore parts of Reef HQ previously inaccessible during normal operations. Education The Reef HQ Education Program continued to play a major role in raising reef awareness in the formal education sector through a revamp of program materials and an expansion of program areas. Total student visitation numbers remained on par with last year with over 10 000 students visiting the facility. In addition, over 1000 students nationally were able to access the Reef-VIDEOLINQ program via video conferencing: Reef HQ is the only aquarium in the world involved in this type of program. Reef HQ Education staff have regularly delivered educational programs to students in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania through the Reef-VIDEOLINQ program. On 29 February and 1 March, Reef HQ was the lead Australian site in Global Leap 2000; an international videoconferencing marathon that linked students from over 60 countries, across five continents, for 16 hours. Exhibits and Exhibit Development During the year, Reef HQ launched a major exhibit, In the Pipeline, which highlighted the critical issues facing management of the GBRWHA. Work also commenced on a second exhibit, which will provide visitors with an understanding of the role of scientific research essential to the management of the Marine Park. Together, both exhibits aim to provide visitors with an increased understanding and appreciation of the work of GBRMPA. 11111111111111111111111111ME 110113111111413111:1111 Page 72 Improvements to the Coral Reef Exhibit during the year included the commissioning of foam fractionation and freshwater skimming systems, both aimed at improving water quality management. Research at Reef HQ continues to be directed at improving animal husbandry and exhibit practices. During the year, curatorial staff conducted research into settlement and recruitment of Acroporid corals while a number of Reef HQ interns, working under the supervision of Reef HQ curatorial staff, conducted projects aimed at improving the husbandry of seahorses, marine turtles, giant clams and corals. Marketing and Promotions Marketing efforts focused on building the new brand Reef HQ and continuing to assist in promoting Townsville as a tourist destination. Presentations were made at trade shows targeting inbound, wholesale and retail operators. A new web site has been developed for Reef HQ and a suite of new external and internal signs installed. Sales calls locally, regionally and nationally helped to achieve penetration of the new Reef HQ brand in the marketplace. While Reef HQ has a strong presence in local and regional Queensland markets, commissioned research identified that additional national marketing effort is required. Education marketing has been targeted through sponsorship of the Marine Teachers Association of Queensland and the Newspapers in Education Supplement of the Townsville Bulletin. Reef HQ is represented as Chair of North Queensland Education Promotions, a cluster group of local education service providers who market the Townsville region as an education destination. Community Support Volunteers continue to play a crucial role in Reef HQ operations through contributing 24 400 hours of service, equivalent to more than 14 full-time staff. A contingent of 180 volunteers (including 24 student volunteers and 6 Reef HQ interns) provided assistance in a range of Reef HQ programs: visitor services, education, functions and events, promotions, administration, exhibits and research. The Reef HQ Volunteers Association has continued to work closely with management to ensure that joint goals and aims are achieved. In May 2000, the Reef HQ Volunteers convened the Volunteers 2000 Conference that attracted delegates from north Queensland arts, heritage, environment and tourism organisations. This highly successful conference equipped participants to develop more effective community and business partnerships, design training programs and better understand pertinent legal matters. Reef HQ student volunteers now contribute to the development and running of Science by the Sea, the after school science program, and the holiday and weekend Reef HQ activities for children. 111111110.1011111101111111111001111111111111MISIIMAIIM Page 73 Business Performance The primary focus for business activity during 1999-2000 was the repositioning of the aquarium to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace and to deliver community education outcomes more effectively. Central to the repositioning strategy was the official launch, in August 1999, of the new brand and image for the facility. This was supported by the rebranding of retail operations as Reef-in-Store and the development of a range of new products and services including Coral Cay Cafe. With the commitment of reserve funds to the repositioning strategy, expenditure for the year was expected to exceed revenue. This will deliver a deficit outcome. Under-performance in the primary revenue area of admissions lead to a deficit of $391 000. In total, ticketed visitation to Reef HQ fell by 11 per cent. Depreciation expense has been marginally increased since 1998-1999. With increasing reliance on self-generated revenue, the strengthening the non- admissions revenue stream remained an important priority during the year. Increased effort produced strong performance in both the Events and Sleepover programs, which delivered revenue increases of 27.4 per cent and 35.5 per cent respectively, compared with the previous year. Revenue from Education admissions and Memberships remained stable. Retail sales were down, reflecting reduced admissions. In addition to operating expenses, liabilities were reduced by repayment of $181 091 of the principal of a loan from the Department of Finance and Administration. Capital expenditure on new exhibits and facilities was $249 495. In future, Reef HQ's ability to build visitor numbers and generate revenue will depend on its capacity to provide an innovative and changing experience that will be attractive to visitors. The effective delivery of educational outcomes will require an adequately funded capital management program aimed at maintaining innovative programs, the attractiveness of Reef HQ's physical structures and the integrity and scientific credibility of the marine life-support systems. IMMENNUMINIMC41:4111 ZINFAUSSIDIMS111111 Page 74 Financial R ep ort Summary Details of the Authority's financial operations are provided in the Financial Statements at Appendix G. An overview of the Authority's financial operations follows. The operating expense of managing the Marine Park in 1999-2000 was $28.8 million, an increase of 12 per cent from 1998-1999. Employee expenses increased due to separation payments associated with the internal restructure and the second stage of the Agency Certified Agreement. Expenses for suppliers increased due to additional resources allocated to surveillance and enforcement operations, an increase in the contribution to the new CRC Reef Research Centre and the renaming of Reef HQ. Payments to QPWS for day-to-day management operations increased in line with the funding contribution of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. Revenue from independent sources was slightly higher than 1998-1999. Fewer externally funded activities were undertaken. Despite the re-badging and increased marketing of Reef HQ, admission sales were down on previous years. Total appropriation for 1999-2000 was increased from the 1998-1999 figure. This was partially due to supplementation for the introduction of accrual budgeting by the Commonwealth Government but also to the provision of an additional $1 million for the Surveillance and Enforcement Program. The appropriation figure includes Additional Estimates of $470 000 to compensate for the impact of concessions associated with the EMC. The operating deficit for the year, before extraordinary items and the Capital Use Charge, was $(50 403). Liabilities decreased due to a partial repayment of loans and other liabilities being discharged. Receivables from the Commonwealth are consistent with 1998-1999. This reflects the accrual of the Special Appropriation. The outcome of the 1999-2000 financial year will be taken into account in revising the 2000-2001 Authority budget. A significant subsequent event, included as Notes in the Financial Statements, is a five-year office accommodation lease. The Authority will have a material financial commitment to this item. Page 75 Table 3. Resources for Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Outcome OUTCOME Protection, wise use, (1) (2) understanding and Budget Actual Expenses Variation Budget enjoyment of the 1999-2000 1999-2000 (2-1) 2000-2001 Great Barrier Reef $'000 $'000 $'000 Price of Departmental Outputs Output Group 1.1 - Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage 1.1.1 Natural and cultural values protected and World Heritage obligations are met 1 275 1 507 232 1 401 Sub-total Output Group 1.1 1 275 1 507 232 1 401 Output Group 1.2 - Water Quality and Coastal Development 1.2.1 Minimal degradation of Great Barrier Reef by water pollution and coastal development 1 188 1 602 414 1 119 Sub-total Output Group 1.2 1 188 1 602 414 1 119 Output Group 1.3 - Fisheries 1.3.1 Ecologically sustainable fisheries in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area 879 1 282 403 1 240 Sub-total Output Group 1.3 879 1 282 403 1 240 Output Group 1.4 - Tourism and Recreation 1.4.1 Enhanced tourism and recreation opportunities in the Marine Park 941 1 063 122 706 Sub-total Output Group 1.4 941 1 063 122 706 Output Group 1.5 - Park Management 1.5.1 Field management of the Marine Park 10 191 9 991 -200 10 770 1.5.2 Planning and impact management of the Marine Park 3 040 3 862 822 2 555 1.5.3 Liaison with Indigenous groups and community advisory committees 478 404 -74 493 Sub-total Output Group 1.5 13 709 14 257 548 13 818 Output Group 1.6 - Information for Park Management 1.6.1 Scientific and technical information available for management 3 304 4 750 1 446 3 977 Sub-total Output Group 1.6 3 304 4 750 1 446 3 977 Output Group 1.7 - Reef Education and Communication 1.7.1 Improved Australia-wide profile and community understanding of GBRMPA critical issue group achievements 7 035 5 321 -1 714 4 595 Sub-total Output Group 1.7 7 035 5 321 -1 714 4 595 28 331 29 783 1 452 26 856 1999-2000 2000-2001 Staff Years (Number) 158 160 tuenauzia. Page 76 Appendices, INIIIMUL111111111ffelteMINIMIAMEIfrafins Page 77 Appendix A. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 7 975, Sections 5, 6, 7 and 7a S Object of this Act (1) The object of this Act is to make provision for and in relation to the establishment, control, care and development of a marine park in the Great Barrier Reef Region in accordance with the provisions of this Act, to the extent that those provisions are within the legislative powers of the Parliament and, in particular but not to the exclusion of any other relevant power, its powers with respect to or in relation to: the Australian coastal sea; rights (including sovereign rights) and obligations of the Commonwealth in relation to the continental shelf of Australia; external affairs; fisheries in Australian waters beyond territorial limits; places acquired by the Commonwealth for public purposes; trade and commerce with other countries, including the import or export of animals and plants; statistics relating to animals and plants; and matters incidental to the execution of the powers of the Government of the Commonwealth; and this Act shall be administered accordingly. (2) It is the intention of the Parliament that this Act shall have effect in respect of a part of the Great Barrier Reef Region or a part of the Marine Park (whether or not separately declared under section 31) to the fullest extent that the Constitution permits irrespective of the extent of the effect of the operation of this Act in respect of any other part of the Great Barrier Reef Region or of the Marine Park. 6 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority There is established by this Act an Authority by the name of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. 7 Functions of the Authority (1) The functions of the Authority are: (a) to make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the care and development of the Marine Park including recommendations, from time to mmumettiari, Page 78 time, as to: the areas that should be declared to be parts of the Marine Park; and the regulations that should be made under this Act; (b) to carry out, by itself or in cooperation with other institutions and persons, and to arrange for any other institutions or persons to carry out, research and investigations relevant to the Marine Park; (c) to prepare zoning plans for the Marine Park in accordance with Part V; (caa)to make plans of management for the Marine Park in accordance with Part VB; (ca) to furnish information and advice to the Minister in respect of matters relating to the Marine Park, including: information and advice in relation to any agreement (including any proposed agreement) between the Commonwealth and Queensland on such matters; information and advice on the following matters: (A)whether the Commonwealth should grant financial assistance to Queensland in respect of a matter relating to the Marine Park; (B) the amount and allocation of such assistance; (C)the terms and conditions (if any) on which such assistance should be granted; and information and advice on the following matters: (A)whether it is desirable that Queensland should make a payment to the Authority in respect of a matter relating to the Marine Park; (B) the amount and allocation of such payment; (C)the terms and conditions (if any) on which such payment should be given; (cb) to receive and disburse moneys appropriated by the Parliament for payment to the Authority for the purpose of payment of the moneys to Queensland by way of financial assistance to Queensland in respect of matters that relate to the Marine Park; (cc) to receive and disburse moneys paid to the Authority by Queensland under an agreement between: the Commonwealth and Queensland; Queensland and the Authority; or (iii)the Commonwealth, Queensland and the Authority; (cd) to provide, and arrange for the provision of, educational, advisory and informational services relating to the Marine Park; (d) such functions relating to the Marine Park as are: conferred on the Authority by this Act; or provided for by the regulations; (da) to provide assistance to other institutions and persons in accordance with 111111010111111.11:11141:MINIIIIMSWIRMENIMIIII I Page 79 section 7A; and (e) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the foregoing functions. (1A) For the purposes of this section but without limiting the generality of paragraph (1)(ca), (cb) or (cd), a matter shall be taken to relate to the Marine Park if it relates to: the use or management of an area (which may be a Queensland national park or a Queensland marine park) the use or management of which would or might affect the Marine Park; or the use of a place outside the Marine Park for a purpose relating to the Marine Park. (1B)The Authority is responsible for the management of the Marine Park. The Authority shall perform its functions in accordance with any general directions given by the Minister not inconsistent with this Act. The members must include in each report on the Authority under section 9 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 particulars of any directions given by the Minister under subsection (2) of this section during the period to which the report relates. 7A Provision of assistance to other institutions and persons (1) Subject to this section, the Authority may, at the request of another institution or person, provide assistance to the institution or person in matters relating to environmental management. (2) The assistance may be provided by the Authority acting by itself or in cooperation with other institutions and persons. (3) Without limiting the generality of the assistance that may be provided, the assistance may take any of the following forms: the carrying out of research or investigations; the provision of educational, advisory or informational services; the making available of facilities. (4) The Authority shall not perform a function that the Authority has only because of this section unless the Minister has approved, in writing, the provision of the assistance concerned. (5) The Minister shall not give an approval under subsection (4) unless the Minister is satisfied that the provision of the assistance concerned is not likely to affect adversely the performance of the functions of the Authority conferred by other provisions of this Act. (6) An approval under subsection (4) may be given subject to conditions or restrictions set out in the instrument of approval (including conditions requiring the charging of fees). 111111111111111111111111111111111111E &MUM IINIVILIIIIIMMUIS11111 Page 80 Nothing in this section limits the functions that may be conferred on the Authority by the regulations. The Minister may, by writing, delegate to the Authority or to the Chairperson his or her power to give approvals under subsection (4). WNIIIMPLIIIIIIIIIIMINIIIIMIGR/DEMIRMIGNI1111111111111111•111111111111•111111•1111111111111111111•111111 Page 81 Appendix B. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Audit committee Objective, Powers and Functions Objective The objective of the Audit Committee is to ensure that the Authority maintains a high standard of management, both corporate and financial, and achieves its outcomes in accordance with its business strategy and strategic plans whilst carrying out its responsibilities under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. Powers and Functions The functions and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to: help the Authority and its members to comply with obligations under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997; provide a forum for communication between members, the senior managers of the Authority and the internal and external auditors of the Authority; review the risk management strategy and fraud control plans of the Authority to ensure they remain current and focus on the areas of greatest risk; review and endorse the internal audit strategic and annual work plans; assess the external audit strategy to ensure it addresses all significant business and other risks; as far as practicable, coordinate internal and external audit programs; review all audit reports involving matters of concern, follow-up implementation of recommendations and provide advice to the board of the Authority on action to be taken for matters raised by internal, or external audit; review the Authority's accounting policies and disclosures in the annual financial statements and other disclosures in the Annual Report; review any other externally published financial information prior to release; monitor developments and changes in legislation and government policy in terms of their possible impact on the responsibility and liability of the Authority, its members and officers; in addition to the specific advice functions at 7) above, advise the board of the Authority in regard to any matter relating to its other functions, as it considers necessary or is directed to by the Authority; review any activity of the Authority to achieve the Committee's objectives. 11111111111111111111111111111111011011a11111:111111:111111111111411 ffill31117111111111.ZOMMIUMUSIIIIII Page 82 Appendix L. - Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee The Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee was established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 as an independent advisory body for both the Authority and the Commonwealth Minister responsible for the environment. The Consultative Committee represents a wide cross-section of interests in the Great Barrier Reef (from both the public and private sectors) including tourism, fishing, science, conservation, local government and Aboriginal communities. It consists of members appointed by the Minister for a three-year term and a member of the Authority appointed by the Authority for an indefinite term. The committee has prepared a short paper on its role. This paper, and summary documents of the Committee meetings are available on request from the secretariat. The three-year appointments by the Minister of most of the members listed below took effect on 4 December 1997. There were three resignations during the year; Mr Eddie Hegerl, Mr Colin Earle and Mr David Perkins. Hon Virginia Chadwick, the Authority's appointee, commenced as member on 19 July 1999. The Minister appointed Mr Terry Wall from the Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet, for the period 8 April 2000 until 3 December 2000. Membership as at 30 June 2000 Mr Harry Bonanno Queensland Cane Growers Council Cr Greg Breckell Local Government Association of Queensland Inc Mrs Irene Butterworth Girudala Council of Elders (Whitsundays) Hon Virginia Chadwick Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Mr Robert Crick Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Tourism Mr Tony Fontes Whitsunday Coastal Advisory Committee Mrs Bernice Kelly Direct Employment Service Inc Mr Ted Loveday Queensland Commercial Fishermen's Organisation Prof Helene Marsh James Cook University Mr John Millward Cairns Marine Tourism Operators Association Ms Margaret Moore World Wide Fund for Nature Australia Mr Peter Neville Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry Ms Suzette Pelt Whitsundays Bareboat Charter Operators Association Dr Russell Reichelt CRC Reef Research Centre Sir Sydney Schubert Association of Marine Parks Tourism Operators Mr Alan Turnbull Queensland Sport and Recreational Fishing Council (Sunfish) Mr Terry Wall Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet Professor Marsh is Chairperson of the Committee. WINIMIILIIIIMILD111111111111135,111.14D Page 83 Business Activities The committee has been working through its strategic work plan based on the '25 Year Plan for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area'. Additionally, the following topics have been considered: funding; surveillance and enforcement; cross-jurisdictional issues /inter-agency coordination; communicating with local stakeholders in the GBRWHA about the problems of managing World Heritage at such a large spatial scale; perceived threats to the integrity of the GBRWHA; and water quality. 111111111•1111•1•11011111 11111111131**11111M1111101 Page 84 Appendix D. Corporate Information Diversity Table 4. Employees of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as at 30 June 2000. ONGOING EMPLOYEES NON-ONGOING EMPLOYEES Female Male Total Female Male Total Classification F/T P/T F/T P/T F/T P/T F/T P/T APS1 6 0 2 0 8 1 1 1 1 4 APS2 10 1 5 0 16 1 2 1 0 4 APS3 13 1 6 0 20 3 0 0 0 3 APS4 10 0 4 0 14 2 0 0 0 2 APS5 6 1 8 0 15 1 0 1 0 2 APS6 14 0 15 0 29 1 0 4 0 5 EXEC1 6 2 9 0 17 0 0 1 0 1 EXEC2 2 0 13 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 SES 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 CEO 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Total 67 5 62 0 134 10 3 10 1 24 Total number of employees = 158 (APS—Australian Public Service Officer; Exec—Executive Level; SES—Senior Executive Service; CEO—Chief Executive Officer) Table 5. Representation of EEO groups within salary levels as at 30 June 2000. Classification Women NESB1 NESB2 NESB ATSI PWD Aquarist(18) 12 0 0 1 0 0 (66.7%) (0%) (0%) (5.6%) (0%) (0%) APS1 (12) 8 1 0 1 0 0 (66.7%) (8.3%) (0%) (8.3%) (0%) (0%) APS2(20) 14 0 0 1 1 0 (70%) (0%) (0%) (5%) (5%) (0%) APS3(23) 17 1 1 1 1 1 (73.9%) (4.3%) (4.3%) (4.3%) (4.3%) (4.3%) APS4(16) 12 0 0 0 1 1 (75%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (6.3%) (6.3%) APS5(17) 8 0 1 1 3 0 (47%) (0%) (5.9%) (5.9%) (17.6%) (0%) APS6(34) 15 0 1 1 0 1 (44%) (0%) (3%) (3%) (0%) (3%) EXEC1(18) 8 0 0 0 1 0 (44%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (6%) (0%) EXEC2(15) 2 0 0 0 0 1 (13.3%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (6.7%) SES2(2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) CEO(1) 1 0 0 0 0 0 (100%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (0%) (NESB1—Non-English Speaking Background, second generation (Mother); NESB2—Non-English Speaking Background (Father); NESB—Non-English Speaking Background, first generation; ATSI—Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; PWS—People with a disability) MINr eturonma ARM :1111111111110M11/31114441 Page 85 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) The Occupational Health and Safety Committee held several meetings during 1999-2000 and discussed the following issues: Backcare training • Comcare reporting Welding safety in Reef HQ • Building access and safety General OH&S training • Incident reporting Policy overview • Emergency procedures Scientific dive standards • Emergency drill procedures First aid and radiation response In addition to these meetings, OH&S issues were followed up. A number of these issues related to personal problems associated with workstations. These employees have been issued with additional ergonomic aids and approved furniture to correct these problems. Arrangements were made for GBRMPA to fund professional staff from the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service to conduct ergonomic equipment training and undertake individual workstation assessments. These assessments and the purchase of additional ergonomic aids /furniture will continue throughout 2000-2001. During the year the Authority continued to provide all employees with the Employee Assistance Program. This provides employees and their families with access to counselling and advice on a wide range of work related and non-work related issues. It is designed to provide a significant contribution to improving the working life of employees. A total of three workers' compensation claims were lodged throughout 1999-2000. Action has been taken to minimise the effects of these incidents and to prevent further incidents occurring. OH&S training, covering the following topics, was undertaken by GBRMPA employees during 1999-2000: Senior First Aid Certificate Emergency Resuscitation Rescue Diver Commonwealth OH&S Representatives Training OH&S Training for Managers and Supervisors Advanced Backcare and Manual Handling Advanced Oxygen Equipment Resuscitation Workstation Ergonomics mmiammmrftaaaaoaroumsaatuianimimtaieaisurmuwatuisaa:iaivao Page 86 Consultants and Competitive Tendering and Contracting External Consultants are engaged to gain access to specialist technical, professional, research and management expertise in relation to specific tasks. Consultants are utilised where circumstances require that the Authority resources be augmented or that work be carried out independently. During 1999-2000, 136 consultancy contracts were made. Total expenditure on consultancy services was $2.338 million. Further information on consultancy services is available from GBRMPA. A large proportion of research is now outsourced principally through financial contribution of $13.2 million over seven years commencing in 1999-2000 to the CRC Reef Research Centre. Field management of the Marine Park is implemented through day-to-day management programs, the majority of which are carried out by Queensland Government agencies. Advertising and Marketing Creative Agencies The Best Picture Show Company 78 746 Adbreak Advertising Design 9 445 Photoline 7 465 Magneto Design 3 785 Market Research and Polling Organisations Nil Direct Mail Organisations Nil Media Advertising Organisations AIS Media 11 277 Australian Posters 29 629 Adshel 2 160 DMG Regional Radio 7 357 Executive Media 2 095 NQ Newspaper Company Ltd 14 700 NLD Australia 5 980 North Australian Publishing 5 037 Townsville Magazine 2 080 Visitor Guide Australia 2 225 Pacific Access 2 155 Seven Townsville 1 930 WIN Television 6 112 Telecasters Australia Limited 9 769 Ten Townsville 3 510 Townsville Broadcasters 9 635 Museum of Tropical Queensland 5 086 11111111110101M1111111111111011111111111111111MAIIMPAIM Page 87 Freedom of Information Documents available for purchase (including bulk-purchase) through selected outlets Nomination of the Great Barrier Reef by the Commonwealth of Australia for inclusion in the World Heritage List, GBRMPA, 1981 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and Regulations Companion Map to Great Barrier Reef Maps of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Research reports and workshop proceedings Various information brochures, books, posters and audiovisual productions Documents available free of charge for single copies from the Authority's Townsville office Corporate Plan Strategic Plan Environmental Management Charge information booklets Zoning Plans and Zoning Plan Introductory Guides Selected maps of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Media releases and communiques Newsletters e.g. Reef Research Information brochures, bulletins and leaflets Plans of Management Facilities for Access The Townsville office holds most of the documents relating to decisions of the Marine Park Authority, the Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee and the operations of GBRMPA. It is possible to arrange access to documents, available under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, through either the Canberra or Townsville office (see addresses below), or at the State FOI Information Access Office. Staff are available to provide assistance in relation to any aspect of FOI requests. Members of the public may make inquiries on FOI matters and inspect documents to which access has been granted at either office. Business hours are 8.30 a.m. — 4.50 p.m., Monday to Friday. Formal requests for access to documents must be directed to the offices listed in the following section. Information about facilities for access by disabled persons can be obtained by contacting the FOI Officer at the Townsville office. The following facilities for access are maintained at the Townsville office: computer printer • microfiche reader • film and slide projectors video and audio tape recorders • photocopy machine • reading areas. 11111111111111111111111111111110113111011111: MUM Page 88 FOI Procedures and Initial Contact Points Inquiries may be made in writing, by telephone or in person at the official FOI access points listed below. It is also suggested that inquirers provide a telephone number. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2-68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 Telephone (07) 4750 0700 Facsimile (07) 4772 6093 or Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Ground Floor John Gorton Building King Edward Terrace GPO Box 791 PARKES ACT 2600 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Telephone (02) 6274 1922 Facsimile (02) 6274 1509 If any difficulty arises in the identification of a document or in providing access in the form requested, an officer of GBRMPA will contact the applicant with a view to resolving the difficulty. In consultation with applicants, documents will be made available by mail to the address specified by the applicant or at the official FOI access points. The authorised decision makers under the Act for the Authority, with official addresses for the lodging of requests, are: The Executive Director Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 Director of Corporate Services Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 INIIEIOIZEIIIIIIIIIIIIILDIIIIIIIMIIIIVIWIPMEIIWZIIIOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIII Page 89 Appendix E. Abbreviations AAT Administrative Appeals Tribunal AIMS Australian Institute of Marine Science ANAO Australian National Audit Office APS Australian Public Service CRC Reef Research Centre Cooperative Research Centre for the Great Barrier (or CRC Reef) Reef World Heritage Area CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation DDM Day-to-day Management DPA Dugong Protection Area EEO Equal Employment Opportunity EMC Environmental Management Charge EREAC Environmental Research Ethics Advisory Committee FOI Freedom of Information GBRMP Great Barrier Reef Marine Park GBRMPA Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority GBRWHA Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area GIS Geographic Information System ICA Information Coordination and Analysis ICLU Indigenous Cultural Liaison Unit IT Information Technology INTROMARC International Tropical Marine Resource Centre ITMEMS International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management Symposium IUCN The World Conservation Union LMAC Local Marine Advisory Committee NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OH&S Occupational Health and Safety QBFP Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol QEPA Queensland Environmental Protection Agency QFS Queensland Fisheries Service QFMA Queensland Fisheries Management Authority QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service RAC Reef Advisory Committee RAP Representative Areas Program R&MC Research and Monitoring Coordination SMT Senior Management Team TASU Training and Advisory Services nummommitaturakitirtatustamainnwitunsurataxwamisamusi is Page 90 A ppen dix F. I n d ex This annual report has been prepared using the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Orders 1998 and the Requirements for Annual Reports approved by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit under subsections 63(2) and 70(2) of the Public Service Act 1999 (May 2000). Requirement Location Letter of transmission iii Aids to Access Table of Contents Alphabetical Index 135 Contact Details ii Abbreviations 90 Corporate Overview Enabling Legislation 4 Minister 4 Goals and Aims 5 Corporate Structure 9,15 Directors 6-7 Audit Committee 7-8 Summary of Significant Change Social Justice and Equity Overview 63 Internal and External Scrutiny Overview 63-64 Service Charter 10 Program Performance Reporting Activities 1-74 Financial and Staffing Resources 76 Human Resources Diversity 85 Senior Management 15 Employee Development 61 Equal Employment Opportunity 62-63,85 Occupational Health and Safety 86 Indemnities and Insurance Premiums 7 Other Resources Consultants and Competitive Tendering and Contracting 87 Advertising and marketing 87 Financial Statements 92 External Scrutiny Report of the Auditor-General 133 Comments by the Ombudsman 18 Decisions of Courts and Administrative Tribunals 18 Freedom of Information 88-89 Page 91 Appendix G Financial Statements . GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2000 In our opinion, the attached financial statements give a true and fair view of the matters required by Schedule 2 to the Finance Minister's Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Authority. EVELYN SCOTT VIRGINIA CHADWICK Member Chairperson 4 October 2000 4 October 2000 111111111111111111•11EMBINIMMI3Unt M0141111MIDWAUHUIEGAINSIIMI Page 92 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY OPERATING STATEMENT for the year ended 30 June 2000 2000 1999 Notes $ $ Operating revenues Revenues from government 3(a) 21,517,220 17,811,720 Interest 3(b) 271,834 195,498 Profit from Reef HQ shop trading 3(c) 230,823 262,645 Reef HQ revenues 3(d) 1,379,674 1,384,755 Other miscellaneous revenues 3(e) 1,081,579 1,281,679 Payments from Queensland Government for day-to-day management 7(a),(c) 4,303,000 3,966,999 Total operating revenues 28,784,130 24,903,296 Operating expenses Employees 4(a) 9,325,031 8,025,653 Suppliers 4(b) 10,222,414 8,940,269 Depreciation and amortisation 4(c) 518,937 474,242 Write-down of assets 4(d) 29 374 Grants 5 18,744 16,800 Interest 6 58,915 44,277 Net loss on disposal of non-current assets 224,490 4,135 Payments to Queensland Government for day-to-day management 7(a),(b) 8,466,000 8,193,072 Total operating expenses 28,834,560 25,698,822 Operating deficit before extraordinary items (50,430) (795,526) Recognition of controlled assets 1(b) 8,488,724 Loss on extraordinary items 1(b) (8,488,724) Net surplus/(deficit) after extraordinary items 8,438,294 (9,284,250) Net surplus / (deficit) attributable to the Commonwealth 8,438,294 (9,284,250) Accumulated surpluses/ (deficits) at beginning of reporting period 489,665 (1,683,180) Transfer to reserves of amounts associated with recognition of controlled assets 1(b) (11,457,095) Aggregate of amounts transferred from reserves 1(1), 1(b) 300,000 11,457,095 Total available for appropriation (2,229,136) 489,665 Capital use provided for or paid 1(n) (948,960) Accumulated surpluses/(deficits) at end of reporting period 12 (3,178,096) 489,665 The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. EIMMIZIMEMININIM111111111111111MMIMINDIIII/1/1/111/1 111111/11111111111111111111111/11111/111/1111/111/111111111111 Page 93 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY BALANCE SHEET as at 30 June 2000 Notes 2000 1999 ASSETS Financial assets Cash 3,882,973 4,583,068 Receivables 2,110,590 1,452,035 Other 94,472 292,538 Total financial assets 6,088,035 6,327,641 Non-financial assets Buildings and improvements to leased property 8,350,208 217,005 Plant and equipment 1,165,184 498,366 Inventories 134,285 146,679 Total non-financial assets 9,649,677 862,050 Total assets 15,737,712 7,189,691 LIABILITIES Debt Advances from the Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) 959,092 1,241,012 Leases 443 Total debt 959,092 1,241,455 Provisions and payables Employees 2,238,735 2,083,627 Suppliers 1,738,521 639,386 Other 729,887 1,131,570 Total provisions and payables 4,707,143 3,854,583 Total liabilities 5,666,235 5,096,038 EQUITY Capital 12 1,103,988 1,103,988 Reserves 12 8,376,043 - Special purpose reserves 12 200,000 500,000 Asset revaluation reserve 12 3,569,542 - Accumulated surpluses / (deficits) 12 (3,178,096) 489,665 Total equity 10,071,477 2,093,653 Total liabilities and equity 15,737,712 7,189,691 Current liabilities 4,117,463 3,126,984 Non-current liabilities 1,548,772 1,969,054 Current assets 6,222,320 6,474,320 Non-current assets 9,515,392 715,371 The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 111111111111111111.1111111111111E 11111111:101:1111111:1111111112111M311110.11111AMILIIIIIMAIMIIII Page 94 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 30 June 2000 2000 1999 Notes OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash received: Appropriations 21,199,000 17,957,000 Permit assessment fees 194,210 134,540 Interest 263,903 190,362 Reef HQ admission fees 1,049,131 1,160,389 Payments from Queensland Government for day-to-day management 3,638,000 4,631,999 Environmental Management Charge (EMC) 3(a) 5,810,866 5,480,928 Other 1,615,241 1,939,613 Total cash received 33,770,351 31,494,831 Cash used: Grants (18,744) (16,800) Employees (8,971,144) (8,171,262) Suppliers (9,773,484) (9,017,606) Interest and other financing costs (64,760) (432) Payments to Consolidated Revenue Fund (EMC) (5,380,000) (5,485,000) Payments to Queensland Government for day-to-day management (8,466,000) (8,193,072) Total cash used (32,674,132) (30,884,172) Net cash from operating activities 14 1,096,219 610,659 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash received: Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment 4,705 500 Cash used: Purchase of plant and equipment (575,984) (480,033) Net cash from investing activities (571,279) (479,533) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash used: Capital use paid (948,960) Repayments of debt (276,075) Net cash from financing activities (1,225,035) Net increase in cash held (700,095) 131,126 Cash at the beginning of the reporting period 4,583,068 4,451,942 Cash at the end of the reporting period 8(a) 3,882,973 4,583,068 The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. IIIIILIMMI1111111111:0111111111111111111MINNINDIODNIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1111111111111111111111111111111111111 Page 95 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS as at 30 June 2000 2000 1999 BY TYPE CAPITAL COMMITMENTS Plant and equipment 102,290 68,400 Total capital commitments 102,290 68,400 OTHER COMMITMENTS Operating leases 2,615,782 197,026 Other commitments 983,031 814,909 Total other commitments 3,598,813 1,011,935 Net commitments 3,701,103 1,080,335 BY MATURITY All net commitments One year or less 1,395,083 972,109 From one to two years 699,216 96,528 From two to five years 1,522,604 11,698 Over five years 84,200 Net commitments 3,701,103 1,080,335 Operating lease commitments One year or less 488,014 126,300 From one to two years 523,764 66,528 From two to five years 1,519,804 4,198 Over five years 84,200 Net operating lease commitments 2,615,782 197,026 In addition, the Authority sub-leases the Reef HQ building from the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Association Incorporated for a nominal amount payable if demanded. The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. mommumiumostainarmalusammiiiammuomaimaniranumumistim Page 96 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF CONTINGENCIES as at 30 June 2000 2000 1999 CONTINGENT LOSSES Costs 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 The amount is an estimate of legal costs which may be payable. The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. NM MUM MU Ala n leM INI LWA'AIEWAIISIONIIIRIIIMIIIIMIIIIMIMME11111 Page 97 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Note Description Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Reporting by Segments and Outcomes Operating Revenues Operating Expenses — Goods and Services Operating Expenses - Grants Operating Expenses - Interest Day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Financial Assets Non-Financial Assets Debt Provisions and Payables Equity Reef HQ Revenue and Expenses Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows Repayment of Advances from Department of Finance and Administration Remuneration of Members and Executives Related Party Disclosures Remuneration of Auditors Co-operative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Insurance Cash Bonds Financial Instruments Financial Statements: Day-to-day Management 1111111111111•1111111111.1111REMINIMAIMAIIMELIMAINIENI: 031111111M1 Page 98 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation of the accounts. (a) Basis of accounting The financial statements are required by clause 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and are a general purpose financial report. The statements have been prepared in accordance with: Requirements for the Preparation of Financial Statements of Commonwealth Agencies and Authorities made by the Minister for Finance and Administration in August 1999 (Schedule 2 to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies (CAC) Orders); Australian Accounting Standards; other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Boards; and the Consensus Views of the Urgent Issues Group. The statements have been prepared having regard to: Statements of Accounting Concepts; and The Explanatory Notes to Schedule 2 issued by the Department of Finance and Administration. The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with historical cost convention, except for certain assets which, as noted, are at valuation. No allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or on the financial position of the Authority. (b Property, plant and equipment Asset recognition threshold Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the Balance Sheet, except for purchases costing less than $5,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total). Extraordinary items The Reef HQ building (formerly the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium) was funded as a Commonwealth—State Bicentennial project, through the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Association Incorporated. The building is sub-leased by the Authority from the Association for a period of 75 years, the end date for the lease being in the year 2061. Under the terms of the sub-lease agreement the Authority is responsible for the maintenance of the building as necessary and for all expenses and revenue in relation to its operation. Consequently, the value of the building had been shown as an asset in the Authority's accounts. In 1998 /99 the accounting treatment was reviewed by the Authority in consultation with the Australian National Audit Office. As a result, it was determined that the leased asset should be viewed in substance as an operating lease with the necessary adjustments to give effect to this view reflected in the accounts. These changes 10/10101111111111111441ZURIMMIMMIIIIMIMM11111111111111111 Page 99 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 included the removal of the building from the Authority's accounts in the 1998/99 financial year, an adjustment to accumulated depreciation and the reversal of the reserves associated with the Aquarium building and the reserves arising from the revaluation undertaken in the 1996-97 financial year. This action was taken as at 30 June 1999 and the net effect in the Authority's accounts was disclosed as an extraordinary item in the Operating Statement for the year ended 30 June 1999. Subsequent to that decision, following consideration of the current status of the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Association and an assessment of the risks and benefits associated with the operation of the Reef HQ facility, the Authority, in consultation with the Australian National Audit Office has determined that the Reef HQ building and associated plant and equipment should be accounted for as an asset in the Authority's accounts. Consequently, the value of the building and associated plant and equipment has been recorded as an asset in the Authority's accounts from 1 July 1999. This action also required recognition of the accumulated depreciation associated with these assets which had previously been reversed in the year ended 30 June 1999. The net result of the entries required following this decision is disclosed in the Operating Statement for the year ended 30 June 2000 as 'Recognition of controlled assets'. The decision also required recognition of the reserves associated with these assets which had also been reversed in the year ended 30 June 1999. The result of these entries is disclosed in the Operating Statement for the year ended 30 June 2000 as 'Transfer to reserves of amounts associated with recognition of controlled assets'. Revaluations Schedule 2 requires that property, plant and equipment be revalued progressively in accordance with the 'deprival' method of valuation in successive three year cycles. The requirements of Schedule 2 are being implemented as follows: The Reef HQ building and associated plant and equipment have been revalued as at 30 June 2000; Other plant and equipment is to be revalued in 2000-2001. Assets in each class acquired after the commencement of the progressive revaluation cycle will be reported on the basis of the value initially recognised on acquisition for the duration of the progressive revaluation then in progress. The financial effect of the move to progressive revaluations is that the carrying amounts of assets will reflect current values and that depreciation charges will reflect the current cost of the service potential consumed in each period. The application of the deprival method by the Authority values its assets at their depreciated replacement cost. Any assets which would not be replaced or are surplus to requirements are valued at net realisable value; at 30 June 2000 there were no assets in this situation. All valuations are independent. 1111111111111111111111111111111011:111.1111111. Page 100 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Depreciation and Amortisation Depreciable plant and equipment assets are written off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to the Authority using, in all cases, the straight line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortised on a straight line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease. Depreciation / amortisation rates (useful lives) and methods are reviewed at each balance date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Residual values are re-estimated for a change in prices only when assets are revalued. Depreciation and amortisation rates applying to each class of depreciable assets are as follows: 2000 1999 Buildings 50 years 50 years Leasehold improvements Lease term Lease term Plant and equipment 3 to 20 years 3 to 20 years Recoverable amount test The carrying amount of each item of non-current property, plant and equipment assets is reviewed to determine whether it is in excess of the asset's recoverable amount. If an excess exists as at the reporting date, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing recoverable amounts, the relevant cash flows, including the expected cash inflows from future appropriations by the Parliament, have been discounted to their present value. In 1998-99, the non-current assets of the Authority were not subject to the test. The application of the recoverable amount test to the non-current assets of the Authority is a change of accounting policy required by the Finance Minister's Orders in 1999-2000. The new policy is being applied from the beginning of 1999-2000. No write-down to recoverable amount has been made in 1999-2000 as a result of this change in policy. Appropriations From 1 July 1999, the Commonwealth Budget has been prepared under an accruals framework. Under this framework, Parliament appropriates moneys to the Authority as revenue appropriations, as loan appropriations and as equity injections. Revenue Appropriations Revenues from government are revenues of the core operating activities of the Authority. Appropriations for outputs are recognised as revenue to the extent they have been received into the Authority's Bank Account or are entitled to be received by the Authority at year end. Other Revenue Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets. Page 101 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Revenue from the rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts or other agreements to provide services to other parties. The stage of completion is determined according to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction. Revenue from disposal of non-current assets is recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer. All material revenues described in this note are revenues relating to the core operating activities of the Authority. Details of revenue amounts are given in Note 3. Day-to-day Management Advances Except for expenditure on fixtures upon land owned by or under the direct control of the Commonwealth or the Authority, advances to the Queensland Department of the Environmental Protection Agency for day-to-day management are fully expensed in the year of payment (refer to note 7 for details of the day-to-day management items). Inventories Goods held for resale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined as the latest purchase price plus inwards transport costs. Employee Entitlements The liability for employee entitlements includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non- vesting and the average sick leave to be taken in future years by employees of the Authority is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave. The liability for annual leave reflects the value of total annual leave entitlements of all employees at 30 June 2000 and is recognised at its nominal amount. The non-current portion of the liability for long service leave is recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made in respect of all employees at 30 June 2000. In determining the present value of the liability, attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account. Provision is also made for separation and redundancy payments in circumstances where the Authority has formally identified positions as excess to requirements and a reliable estimate of the amount of the payments can be determined. Leases A distinction is made between finance leases which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of leased assets and operating leases under which the lessor effectively retains all such risks and benefits. Where a non-current asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is capitalised at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease and a liability for lease payments recognised at the same amount. Lease payments are allocated between the principal component and the interest expense. Page 102 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Leased assets are amortised over the period of the lease. As at 30 June 2000 the Authority had no finance leases. Operating leases are not capitalised and payments are charged to the Operating Statement in the period in which they are incurred. (0 Bad and doubtful debts Bad debts are expensed during the year in which they are identified, to the extent that they have not previously been provided for. A provision is raised for doubtful debts based on a review of all outstanding receivables at year end. Superannuation The Authority contributes to the Commonwealth Superannuation (CSS) and the Public Sector (PSS) superannuation schemes which provide retirement, death and disability benefits to employees. Contributions to the schemes are at rates calculated to cover existing and emerging obligations. Cash Cash includes notes and coins held and any deposits held at call with a bank or financial institution. (1) Special Purpose Reserves In 1999-2000 an amount of $300,000 was transferred from the Special Purpose Reserves to meet additional payments for redundancies during the year. Consequently, an amount of $200,000 for working capital remains at 30 June 2000. This reduced amount is considered sufficient to meet working capital requirements during 2000-2001 due to revised cash management arrangements. (m)Taxation The Authority is exempt from all forms of taxation except fringe benefits tax and the goods and services tax. Capital Usage Charge A capital usage charge of 12% is imposed by the Commonwealth on the net assets of the Authority. The charge is adjusted to take account of asset gifts and revaluation increments during the financial year. Comparative figures Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation in these financial statements. Comparatives are not presented in Notes dealing with the Reporting on Outcomes, due to 1999-2000 being the first year of the implementation of accrual budgeting. Changes in accounting policies Changes in accounting policy have been identified in this Note under their appropriate headings. Financial Instruments Accounting policies in relation to financial instruments are disclosed in Note 22. MILIMUL11111113111:0111111111111111MISWAsIlle Page 103 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 REPORTING BY SEGMENTS AND OUTCOMES The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority operates primarily in a single industry and geographic segment and is the Commonwealth Statutory Authority responsible for the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Protection of the environment, especially those aspects that are matters of national environmental significance is a major aim of the Government. The Authority is included in Outcome 1 of the Environment and Heritage Portfolio. The specific sub-outcome for the Authority is: the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef. Sub-outcome Reporting by Outcomes for 1999-2000 Budget Actual $ $ Total net administered expenses - - Add: Net cost of entity outputs 19,887,000 21,549,258 Outcome before Abnormal /extraordinary items 19,887,000 21,549,258 Abnormal / extraordinary items - Net cost to Budget Outcome 19,887,000 21,549,258 Total assets deployed as at 30/6/00 12,888,000 15,737,712 Net assets deployed as at 30/6/00 8,631,000 10,071,477 OPERATING REVENUES Revenues from government 2000 1999 Appropriations: $ Operational 10,513,000 7,414,000 Special Appropriation 5,698,220 5,517,720 Reef HQ 950,000 897,000 Commonwealth contribution to day-to-day management: refer Note 7(c) 4,356,000 3,983,000 Total 21,517,220 17,811,720 Special Appropriation: The Authority, as agent for the Commonwealth collects an Environmental Management Charge (EMC), amounts collected are paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund and then paid back to the Authority as a Special Appropriation. The amount shown above represents actual amounts received through Special Appropriation plus an accrual for amounts applicable to the financial year ended 30 June 2000 but received after that date and due to be paid to the Authority as Special Appropriation. Interest 2000 1999 $ Term deposits 49,147 42,600 Bank accounts 222,687 152,898 Total 271,834 195,498 1.111111111111111111111111011111 Mtn 1111115LIME111111,11:111111MIEDIVII11111111 Page 104 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Reef HQ shop trading results 2000 1999 $ $ Shop Sales 517,137 594,027 Less: Cost of goods sold Opening Stock 146,679 139,309 Purchases 271,420 338,752 Less: Closing Stock 131,785 146,679 Cost of goods sold 286,314 331,382 Gross profit from shop trading 230,823 262,645 Reef HQ revenues 2000 1999 $ $ Admission fees 1,049,131 1,160,389 Donations and sponsorships 8,864 9,944 Membership program 87,393 92,208 Research and consultancy contracts 2,328 23,880 Other 231,958 98,334 Total 1,379,674 1,384,755 Other miscellaneous revenues: 2000 1999 $ $ Project revenue 413,436 878,032 Sale of Authority education and information materials 38,233 50,982 Permit assessment fees 194,210 134,540 Payments from the EPA: refer Note 7(a) for - other receipts 47,753 63,328 Other 387,947 154,797 Total 1,081,579 1,281,679 4. OPERATING EXPENSES - GOODS AND SERVICES (a) Employee expenses 2000 1999 $ $ Basic remuneration for services provided 8,794,149 7,745,502 Separation and redundancy 463,429 234,983 Total remuneration 9,257,578 7,980,485 Other 67,453 45,168 Total 9,325,031 8,025,653 The separation and redundancy expense is calculated on the basis of two weeks pay for every year of service by employees made redundant. The Authority contributes to the Commonwealth Superannuation (CSS) and the Public Sector (PSS) superannuation schemes which provide retirement, death and disability Page 105 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 benefits to employees. Contributions to the schemes are at rates calculated to cover existing and emerging obligations. Current contribution rates are 18.9% of salary (CSS) and 10.1% of salary (PSS). An additional 3% is contributed for employer productivity benefits. Suppliers expenses 2000 1999 $ Supply of goods and services 10,087,316 8,806,479 Operating lease rentals 135,098 133,790 Total 10,222,414 8,940,269 Depreciation and amortisation 2000 1999 $ $ Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 518,937 470,281 Amortisation of leased assets 3,961 Total 518,937 474,242 The aggregate amounts of depreciation or amortisation allocated during the reporting period as expense for each class of depreciable asset are as follows: 2000 1999 $ $ Buildings 233,532 216,547 Leasehold Improvements 40,519 41,171 Plant and Equipment 244,886 216,524 Total allocated 518,937 474,242 Write-down of assets 2000 1999 $ $ Financial assets: Receivables for goods and services 29 374 Total 29 374 5. OPERATING EXPENSES - GRANTS The Authority makes grants (Augmentative Research Grants) to universities to provide financial support to students undertaking marine related research and to voluntary community groups providing educational activities relevant to the marine environment. 2000 1999 Augmentative Research Grants 9,490 11,000 Grants to Voluntary Community Groups 2,500 Grants to universities 6,754 5,000 Other 800 Total 18,744 16,800 Page 106 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 OPERATING EXPENSES - INTEREST 2000 1999 $ $ Finance charges on lease liabilities 5 432 Interest on Advances from DOFA 58,910 43,845 Total 58,915 44,277 DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK Principles agreed between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments relating to the day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park provide for: the Queensland Department of Environment, now known as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, subject to the Authority in accordance with intergovernmental agreements; the Commonwealth to fund 100% of an initial capital works program required to establish management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on a sound basis; other capital costs (i.e. the post-initial program) of day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to be shared equally between the two Governments; the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments to meet in equal shares the recurrent costs for day-to-day management in relation to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (which may include Queensland national parks or Queensland marine parks, the use or management of which would or might affect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park); moveable property funded pursuant to the arrangements to be used and administered by Queensland; proceeds from the sale of any such moveable property are paid into the day-to-day management account to offset Commonwealth / Queensland contributions on a 50:50 basis; fixed assets funded pursuant to the arrangements to be used by Queensland and administered by the Government (or the Authority) which owns or controls the land on which the fixture is located; expenditure on day-to-day management to be in accordance with an annually agreed program; and the Authority to administer funds provided by the Commonwealth and Queensland for these purposes. Expenditure Expenditure on day-to-day management for 1999-2000 was $8,466,000 (1998-99 $8,193,072). imaimatouswomagonstigmsearannammumm Page 107 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 (c) Revenue received from the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments and from other sources: 2000 1999 Commonwealth Government appropriation: Recurrent and Post Initial Capital Programs: ref: Note 3(a) 4,356,000 3,983,000 Initial Capital Works Queensland Government contribution 4,303,000 3,966,999 From other sources 182,028 155,609 Total 8,841,028 8,105,608 The receipt and expenditure of day-to-day management cash resources is reconciled as follows: 2000 1999 Funds available 1 July 162,832 250,296 Plus Revenue received 8,841,028 8,105,608 Less Expenditure 8,466,000 8,193,072 Cash at bank at 30 June 537,860 162,832 Financial statements for day-to-day management which have been prepared by the EPA and audited by the Queensland Auditor-General are at Note 23. 8. FINANCIAL ASSETS (a) Cash 2000 1999 Reef HQ Account 121,151 360,571 Day-to-day Management Account 537,860 827,832 Cash on hand 18,451 22,112 Authority Operations Account: 2000 Working Capital 200,000 Unearned Income 165,832 Appropriation Reserve 250,000 To pay other liabilities and commitments 2,589,679 Total: Authority Operations Account 3,205,511 3,372,553 3,882,973 4,583,068 The balance held in the Authority Operations account is presented in the manner shown in order to identify the specific purposes of cash reserves held by the Authority. Cash held at 30 June was held as follows: 2000 1999 Cash at bank and Deposits at call 2,929,192 3,676,856 Term deposits 935,330 884,100 Cash on hand 18,451 22,112 3,882,973 4,583,068 111111111111111111111111111111110113111k111111:VAIIMMIMOSILMAIMOINIMIMIWIMIND1111111111111 Page 108 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Receivables 2000 1999 $ Trade Debtors 550,253 248,938 Amounts receivable from the Commonwealth 1,530,206 1,211,986 2,080,459 1,460,924 Less: Provision for doubtful debts 1,000 27,500 2,079,459 1,433,424 Other debtors 31,131 18,611 Total receivables 2,110,590 1,452,035 Receivables (gross) are aged as follows: Not overdue 2,076,470 1,403,055 Overdue by: - less than 30 days 1,936 28,820 - 30 to 60 days 4,545 3,656 - more than 60 days 27,639 44,004 Total receivables (gross) 2,110,590 1,479,535 Other 2000 1999 $ $ Salary advance held by DOFA 213,426 Other prepayments 94,472 79,112 Total 94,472 292,538 9. NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS 2000 1999 $ Buildings & Leasehold Improvements Buildings & Improvements to leasehold property - at 30 June 2000 valuation 11,154,740 Accumulated depreciation 2,919,279 8,235,461 Improvements to leasehold property - at cost 419,560 481,993 Accumulated depreciation 304,813 264,988 114,747 217,005 Total Buildings and Leasehold Improvements 8,350,208 217,005 Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment - at valuation 902,255 Accumulated depreciation 361,349 540,906 INILIMMI.11111:11012[0:0111111111MINIIIIPZIM INININ/I/NIMIN/INNIM Page 109 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 Plant and equipment - at cost 1,932,314 1,992,780 Accumulated depreciation 1,308,036 1,494,744 624,278 498,036 Plant and equipment under finance lease 19,808 Accumulated amortisation 19,478 330 Total Plant and Equipment 1,165,184 498,366 The revaluations were in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 1 and were completed by an independent valuer M.A.Becker FVLE (Val). Adjustments were made to the asset revaluation reserve in the year of valuation. (c) Analysis of Property, Plant and Equipment TABLE A Movement summary 1999-00 for all assets irrespective of valuation basis Item: Buildings and Plant Leasehold improvements equipment Total Gross value as at 1 July 1999 481,993 2,012,588 2,494,581 Additions 49,301 521,646 570,947 Adjustment for revaluations 831,685 (184,522) 647,163 Disposals (661,229) (661,229) Recognition of controlled assets 10,211,321 1,146,086 11,357,407 Other movements Gross value as at 30 June 2000 11,574,300 2,834,569 14,408,869 Accumulated Depreciation / Amortisation as at 1 July 1999 264,988 1,514,222 1,779,210 Depreciation / Amortisation charge for assets held 1 July 1999 48,855 171,837 220,692 Depreciation / Amortisation charge for additions 4,108 32,502 36,610 Recognition of controlled assets 2,460,896 407,785 2,868,681 Depreciation /Amortisation charge for controlled assets for 99/00 221,090 40,545 261,635 Adjustment for revaluations 224,155 (65,479) 158,676 Adjustment for disposals (432,027) (432,027) Adjustment for other movements Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortisation as at 30 June 2000 3,224,092 1,669,385 4,893,477 Net book value as at 30 June 2000 8,350,208 1,165,184 9,515,392 Net book value as at 1 July 1999 217,005 498,366 715,371 immummumiromar, 31:1111 ' iiiimalvieninriecuirmagan Page 110 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 TABLE B Summary of balances of assets at valuation as at 30 June 2000 Item: Buildings and Other plant Leasehold Improvements equipment Total $ $ $ As at 30 June 2000 Gross value 11,154,740 902,255 12,056,995 Accumulated Depreciation / Amortisation 2,919,279 361,349 3,280,628 Other movements Net book value 8,235,461 540,906 8,776,367 TABLE C Summary of balances of assets held under finance leases as at 30 June 2000 Other plant Item: Buildings & equipment Total $ $ $ As at 30 June 2000 Gross value Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortisation Net book value As at 30 June 1999 Gross value 19,808 19,808 Accumulated Depreciation / Amortisation 19,478 19,478 Net book value 330 330 10. DEBT (a) Advances from Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) 2000 1999 $ $ Current 326,560 319,921 Non-current 632,532 921,091 Total 959,092 1,241,012 Advances from DOFA as at 30 June are payable as follows: 2000 1999 $ $ Payable: Within one year 326,560 319,921 Within one to two years 306,697 289,699 Within two to five years 325,835 631,392 Total 959,092 1,241,012 Page 1 1 1 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 (b) Finance lease liabilities are represented by: 2000 1999 Current 443 Non-current 443 Finance lease liabilities at the reporting date and related finance charge s are payable as follows: 2000 1999 Within one year 448 Within one to two years Within two to five years Minimum lease payments 448 Less: Future finance charges 5 Total lease liabilities 443 11. PROVISIONS AND PAYABLES (a) Employees 2000 1999 Current liabilities Salaries and wages 187,268 133,078 Separation and redundancy 139,618 Provision for long service leave 122,173 50,772 Provision for annual leave 856,662 851,814 Other 16,774 1,322,495 1,035,664 Non-current liabilities Provision for long service leave 916,240 1,047,963 Total provisions and payables - Employees 2,238,735 2,083,627 Suppliers 2000 1999 $ $ Trade Creditors 1,738,521 639,386 Other 2000 1999 $ $ Current liabilities Prepayments received from Queensland Government for 1999-2000 DDM Program 665,000 Other prepayments received 265,832 426,251 Amounts owed to the Commonwealth 457,838 26,973 Other 6,217 13,346 729,887 1,131,570 111111111111111111111111111111111 *Int ANN1111117,21111LIMMEGAIIIIINMIN Page 1 1 2 ----, t t 1 cc LC LC, 0, Cl ,..0 00,, EP: "7t''' CO (-NI CD 0...,' C4 c '.71., 0 t 1 I 1--. o in n C04, 0 Erl- s.R. 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'Cr) Page 113 STATEMENTS Accumulated Special Purpose Asset Capital results Reserves Revaluation Other Reserves Total Reserves TOTAL EQUITY Reserve Balance 1 July 489,665 (1,683,180) 500,000 11,377,903 Operating Result Surplus / (Deficit) 8,438,294 Net Revaluation 488,490 Increases Transfers to / (3,081,052) (8,376,043) (from) Reserves Capital Use Charge Recognition of controlled assets Changes in Accounting Policies Balance 30 June 500,000 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 13. REEF HQ REVENUE AND EXPENSES The following information in relation to the operations of Reef HQ is in addition to the Operating Statement. Reef HQ operations 2000 1999 Operating revenues Interest 10,368 19,441 Other revenues: ref: Note 3(d) 1,379,674 1,384,755 Gross profit from shop trading: ref: Note 3(c) 230,823 262,645 Total operating revenues 1,620,865 1,666,841 Operating expenses Curatorial Operations 722,932 712,844 Public Programs Operations 732,646 605,900 Marketing/Promotions 399,134 184,666 Shop Management and Services 163,723 120,226 Café Operations 113,317 Corporate Services - property services 294,936 284,078 - general services and administration 196,253 248,967 Interest 38,001 43,845 Loss on sale of non-current assets 13,017 Bad and doubtful debts 29 195 Total operating expenses 2,673,988 2,200,721 Other expenses Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: refer Note 1(b) 309,396 294,134 Staff provisions movements (21,106) 39,643 Total other expenses 288,290 333,777 Total Reef HQ expenses 2,962,278 2,534,498 Net cost of Reef HQ operations (1,341,413) (867,657) Revenue from Commonwealth Appropriation: ref: Note 3(a) 950,000 897,000 Result from Reef HQ operations (391,413) 29,343 In the 1999-2000 year, volunteers contributed 24,400 hours of service to the operations of Reef HQ, the equivalent of 13.8 person years of service. The value of this contribution is estimated to be $415,000 and has not been recognised in the financial statements (1998-99: 26,795 hours; 15.2 person years; value $457,000). S.11 111:1111111111 II Olt RIM it Page 1 1 4 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Reconciliation of operating surplus / (deficit) to net cash provided by operating activities: 2000 1999 $ $ Operating deficit (50,430) (795,526) Depreciation 518,937 474,242 Bad debts 29 374 Loss on disposal of non-current assets 224,490 4,135 Changes in assets and liabilities (Increase) / Decrease in Receivables (658,555) 473 Decrease / (Increase) in Inventories 12,394 (7,370) Decrease in Other Assets 198,066 442,491 Increase / (Decrease) in Employee Liabilities 155,108 (145,610) Increase / (Decrease) in Suppliers 1,099,135 (162,433) (Decrease)/Increase in Other Liabilities (402,512) 804,906 (Decrease) in Lease Liabilities (443) (5,023) Net cash provided by operating activities 1,096,219 610,659 REPAYMENT OF ADVANCES FROM DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION The Department of Finance and Administration has determined that certain funds appropriated for the purposes of Reef HQ are repayable advances. There have been two such advances: $450,000 in 1986-87 for establishment costs; and $1,000,000 in 1989-90. The advances are being repaid by an annual instalment with the final instalment due in the 2002-2003 financial year. Interest on the outstanding principal is charged at the long- term bond rate. The Authority also received a repayable advance of $410,000 in the 1998-99 financial year to offset the costs of redundancies in that year. This advance is being repaid over four years with the final instalment due in the 2002-2003 financial year. Interest on the outstanding principal is charged at the long-term bond rate. 16. REMUNERATION OF MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVES (a) Remuneration - Members of the Authority 2000 1999 $ $ Aggregate amount of superannuation payments in connection with the retirement of Members: 14,959 10,888 Other remuneration received, or due and receivable, directly or indirectly, by Members of the Authority: 159,052 171,127 Total remuneration received, or due and receivable, directly or indirectly, by Members of the Authority: 174,011 182,015 Formutinumunieranimitiamirammovmummammiammimmovam Page 115 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 The number of Members of the Authority whose remuneration was within the specified bands are as follows: 2000 1999 $Nil - $10,000 3 $10,001 - $20,000 2 1 $140,001 - $150,000 1 $150,001 - $160,000 1 (b) Remuneration - Senior Executives of the Authority 2000 1999 Income received, or due and receivable, by Senior Executives: 361,037 271,825 The number of executive officers of the Authority whose total fixed remuneration received, or due and receivable, directly or indirectly, from the Authority, fell within each band of income after $100,000 is: 2000 1999 $130,001 - $140,000 2 $140,001 - $150,000 1 $210,001 - $220,000 1 The $210,001 - $220,000 bracket includes an aggregate amount of separation and redundancy payments totalling $101,864. The remuneration disclosed includes all officers concerned with or taking part in the management of the Authority during 1999-2000 except the Chairperson. Details in relation to the Chairperson have been incorporated into Note 16(a) Remuneration — Members of the Authority. 17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Authority Members The Members of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority during the financial year were: Hon Virginia Chadwick (full-time Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer) appointed 19 July 1999; Mr John Lyons (part-time Member); Mrs Evelyn Scott (part-time Member until 16 June 2000); Dr Glyn Davis (part-time Member). Acting Part-time Member appointments Mrs Evelyn Scott (acting part-time Member for 12 week period commencing 17 June 2000); Remuneration Information on remuneration of Authority Members is disclosed at Note 16. Superannuation The aggregate amount of superannuation payments paid to the Public Sector (PSS) MiltillinlIBMILMILIMID111111111111111 Page 116 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 superannuation scheme in connection with the retirement of Members was $14,959 (1998-99: $10,888). (e) Authority Members' interest in contracts On the basis of statements declared by Members in accordance with s. 16A of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act or s. 21 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, no Authority Member has received or become entitled to receive a benefit, other than a benefit included in the aggregate of remuneration received or due and receivable shown at Note 20 by reason of a contract made by the Authority Member or with a firm of which the Authority Member is a Member or with a company in which the Authority Member has a substantial interest. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS 2000 1999 Remuneration to the Auditor-General for au diting the financial statements for the reporting period 39,520 40,000 No other services were provided by the Auditor-General during the reporting period. CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE AREA The Co-operative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (CRC Reef) was established to provide strategic scientific information, education and training to enhance reef-based industry and management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. As at 30 June 2000, the Authority's commitment to the CRC Reef, in cash contributions, 'in kind' contributions and amounts payable from EMC collections was: 2000 1999 Cash In Kind EMC Within one year 665,000 420,000 1,240,000 2,325,000 2,117,000 From one to two years 665,000 420,000 1,240,000 2,325,000 2,325,000 From two to five years 1,995,000 1,260,000 3,720,000 6,975,000 6,975,000 More than five years 665,000 420,000 1,240,000 2,325,000 4,650,000 3,990,000 2,520,000 7,440,000 13,950,000 16,067,000 INSURANCE From July 1998 the Authority has been included in the new Commonwealth Insurable Risk Managed Fund known as Comcover. The Authority has commercial insurance cover for the operation of Reef HQ. Page 117 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 21. CASH BONDS As a condition of some permits, a bond is required to be lodged with the Authority. Some permit holders have provided a cash bond in lieu of a bank guarantee. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the year ended 30 June 2000 2000 Cash at bank 1 July 1999 203,670 RECEIPTS Cash Bond 77,000 Interest 4,398 285,068 PAYMENTS 232,795 Cash at bank 30 June 2000 52,273 MIIIIIINIMMINEMZUFAIIIIMARRUNIMIllismarecarn Min MIME Page 118 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (a) Terms, conditions and accounting policies Financial Instrument Notes Accounting Policies and Nature of underlying instrument Methods (including (including significant terms & recognition criteria and conditions affecting the amount, measurement basis) timing and certainty of cash flows) Financial Assets Financial assets are recognised when control over future economic benefits is established and the amount of the benefit can be reliably measured Cash at Bank and 8(a) Deposits are recognised at Temporarily surplus funds, mainly Deposits at Call their nominal amounts. from monthly drawdowns of Interest is credited to revenue appropriations, are placed on as it accrues. deposit at call with the Authority's bank. Interest is earned on the daily balance at the prevailing daily rate and is paid monthly. Term Deposit The deposit is recognised at The deposit is with the Authority's the nominal amount. Interest bank on 90 day terms and the is credited to revenue as interest rate at 30 June 2000 it accrues. was 6.18%. Interest is payable quarterly. Receivables for goods These receivables are Credit terms are nett 28 days and services recognised at the nominal (1998-99: 28 days) amounts due less any provision for bad and doubtful debts. Provisions are made when collection of the debt is judged to be less rather than more likely. Amounts receivable 8(b) The amount receivable is The EMC is collected each quarter from the recognised at the nominal by the Authority as agent for the Commonwealth amount due as at 30 June 2000. Commonwealth. The amount arises from EMC collections due to be paid into Consolidated Revenue and then paid to the Authority as Special Appropriation. Other Debtors 8(b) These amounts represent Interest is received monthly interest accrued on deposits with banks. Page 119 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont.) Financial Instrument Notes Accounting Policies and Methods Nature of underlying (including recognition criteria and instrument (including measurement basis) significant terms & conditions affecting the amount, timing and certain ty of cash flows) Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities are recognised when a present obligation to another party is entered into and the amount of the liability can be reliably measured Advances from the Liabilities are recognised at the Advances received for the Department of Finance present value of the outstanding purposes of the Great Barrier and Administration principal plus accrued interest Reef Aquarium are being (DOFA) unpaid as at reporting date. repaid by annual instalments. Interest on the outstanding principal is charged at the long-term bond rate and has been capitalised. At 30 June 2000 the applicable rate was 6.27%. An advance was received in 1998-99 to offset the costs of redundancies and is being repaid over four years. At 30 June 2000 the applicable rate was 6.27%. Finance lease liabilities Liabilities are recognised at the At reporting date the present value of the minimum lease Authority had no finance payments at the beginning of the leases. lease. The discount rates used are estimates of the interest rates implicit in the lease. Trade creditors 11(b) Creditors and accruals are recognised Settlement s usually made in at their nominal amounts, being the 30 days. amounts at which the liabilities will be settled. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods and services have been received. Page 120 c, CS, ,C, cs oz ct .O I'.. CC> 'Il' r I .EA- eej ------- 4, ------ ---- e i Lc) e--, Cr•) ------- 00 01 0 0 0 In Lti ,-, 0 0.> 00 1 -Ef3- if) it 1-... rd et CO N. N. Ct1 cd O, 00 ---- C.;.) --=-- --=--. 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C:t (:::. C.C. Z o 0, C0 u.,:i. 0, C1e l ,1 40 0, a'... C:. CO CI, N el < Z cr, -- v) 2 ,-c. .... 0 00 00 00 00 00 CO 0 CD CD CD I-, o W rn cc LL. 13 cc CI 13 Z C2 < cc < 0 GI co 1— < LLJ GC O " Z wirsemmunicasursitaimammemixemmommimm a Page 121 STATE MENTS 22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont.) (b) Interest rate risk FinancialI nstrument Floating Interest FixedI nterest Rate Non-Interest Total Effective Rate 30d ay terms Bearing Interest Rate FinancialA ssets (Recognised) Cash at Bank andD eposits at Call CX) Cash on Hand 18,451 Term Deposit 884,100 935,330 884,100 Receivables for goods and services 221,438 549,253 Amounts receivable from the Commonwealth Other Debtors 31,131 Total FinancialA ssets (Recognised) 884,100 5,993,563 Total Assets -+ Floating Interest FixedI nterest Rate Non-Interest Effective Rate 1 year or less Bearing Interest Rate FinancialL iabilities (Recognised) Advance from DOFA 644,076 644,076 831,012 Advance from DOFA 410,000 410,000 Finance lease liabilities Trade creditors 639,386 639,386 TotalF inancialL iabilities 639,386 co (Recognised) Total Liabilities GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont.) (c) Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities 1999-00 1998-99 Total Aggregate Total Aggregate Financial Assets carrying net fair carrying net fair amount value amount value Note $ $ $ Cash at Bank and 8(a) 2,929,192 2,929,192 3,676,856 3,676,856 Deposits at Call Cash on Hand 8(a) 18,451 18,451 22,112 22,112 Term Deposit 935,330 935,330 884,100 884,100 Receivables for goods 549,253 549,253 221,438 221,438 and services Amounts receivable from 8(b) 1,530,206 1,530,206 1,211,986 1,211,986 the Commonwealth Other Debtors 8(b) 31,131 31,131 18,611 18,611 Total Financial Assets 5,993,563 5,993,563 6,035,103 6,035,103 (Recognised) 1999-00 1998-99 Total Aggregate Total Aggregate Financial Liabilities carrying net fair carrying net fair (Recognised) amount value amount value Note $ $ $ $ Advance from DOFA 10(a) 644,076 644,076 831,012 831,012 Advance from DOFA 315,016 315,016 410,000 410,000 Finance lease liabilities - - 443 443 Trade creditors 11(b) 1,738521 1,738,521 639,386 639,386 Total Financial Liabilities 2,697,613 2,697,613 1,880,841 1,880,841 (Recognised) The net fair values of financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts. (d) Credit Risk Exposures The Authority's maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Authority has no significant exposures to any concentrations of credit risk. milimummitairaimiormaniesmeamiromminsurameroussactuaraim Page 122 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK OPERATING STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2000 Note 2000 1999 Operating Expenses Employee expenses 5.073,437 4,940,896 Supplies and services 3.227,823 2.749,861 Depreciation 2 926,280 937.890 Net Losses 8,060 Total operating expenses 9,227,540 8,636,707 Operating Revenues Funding from Commonwealth Government 4.383.000 4,041,971 for day-to-day management Other 85,809 205,110 Net Gains 2,781 Total operating revenues 4,471,590 4,247,081 NET COST OF SERVICES (4,755,950) (4,389,626) Revenues from Government Appropriations from State Government 4.383,000 4,092.000 Total revenues from Government 4,383,000 4,092,000 Increase (decrease) in net assets before abnormal (372,950) (297,626) items Abnormal items 3 126,208 Increase (decrease) in net assets (372,950) (171,418) Opening Accumulated Surplus 10 4,060.102 4.856,472 Closing Accumulated Surplus 3,687,152 4,685,054 Page 123 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 Note 2000 1999 S S CURRENT ASSETS Cash 4 (2.803) 164,279 Receivables 5 400,064 23,279 Other 6 41,966 48.501 Total current assets 439,227 236,059 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property. plant and equipment 7 3.945,105 5,082,890 Total non-current assets 3,945,105 5,082,890 Total assets 4,384,332 5,318,949 CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors 8 58,392 18,352 Total current liabilities 58,392 18,352 Total liabilities 58,392 18,352 Net assets 4,325,940 5,300,597 EQUITY Accumulated surplus 3.687.152 4_685,054 Asset Revaluation Reserve 9 638,788 615,543 Total equity 4,325,940 5,300,597 111111111111•1111111111111111101111' 11911:113111131111111*MILI311011111VELINIL111111:1013111111141111111 Page 124 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2000 Note 2000 1999 $ $ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Inflows: Payments from Commonwealth Government for day-to-day management 4,083,000 4,041,971 Other 4,138 4,490 Abnornal items 0 Outflows: Employee expenses (5.042,563) (4,984,981) Supplies and services (3,201.863) (2,840,272) GST paid on supplies and services (2.625) Net cash used in operating activities 11 (4,159,913) (3,778,792) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Inflows: Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 5.777 27.381 Outflows: Payments for property. plant and equipment (395.946) (363,739) Net cash used in investing activities (390,169) (336,358) CASH FLOWS FROM GOVERNMENT In flows: Appropriations from State Government 4.383,000 4,092,000 Net cash provided by Government 4,383,000 4,092,000 Net increase (decrease) in cash held (167,082) (23,150) Cash at beginning of reporting period 164,279 187,429 Cash at end of reporting period 4 (2,803) 164,279 Page 125 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 NOTE I STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Accounting The financial statements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards outlined in the "Guidelines for Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities8s required by the relevant Agreements dated 10 May 1088 between the Commonwealth and Queensland Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Except where stated the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention on an accrual basis. Change in Accounting Policy Prior to I July 1009. the balance of unspent funds held by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park at 30 June, was transferred to the Queensland Treasury Department. These funds were reported in the opening cash balance in the financial statements. Due to the change from Cash to Accrual Budgeting, this process will no longer occur. Funding from the Commonwealth Government Funding front the Commonwealth Government is recognised as revenue in the reporting period when received. Acquisition of Assets The cost method of accounting is used for the initial recording of all acquisition of assets. Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given as consideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition. Property, Plant and Equipment All items of property, plant and equipment with a cost, or other value, in excess of $1,000 are capitalised in the year of acquisition. All other such assets with a cost, or other value, less than $1,000 are expensed. Depreciation of Property. Plant and Equipment Depreciation on property. plant and equipment is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write off the cost (or other value) of each depreciable asset, less its estimated residual value, progressively over its estimated useful life. The depreciation rates for each class of Property. Plant and Equipment are: Buildings 7% Infrastructure ranges between 7% and 33% Vessels > $250.000 13% Plant and Equipment ranges between 7% and 33% (g) Revaluations of Non-Current Physical Assets Non-current physical assets having an estimated value greater than the revaluation threshold of $250.000 and an estimated useful life of three years or more are required to be revalued. A comprehensive revaluation of non-current physical assets is performed at five year intervals with annual indexation between the full valuations. Non-current physical assets are valued on the "deprival" basis. Under this concept, assets are valued at an amount that represents the entire loss that might be expected to be incurred if the Agency was deprived of the future economic benefits of these assets at the reporting date. Buildings and Infrastructure assets were valued during the 1005-06 financial year by Casagrande registered valuers and vessels were independently valued during 1096-07. The index applied to the 1909-2000 year is the Seasonally Adjusted Implicit Price Deflator Covering Gross Fixed Capital Expenditure General Government, as supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 111011111111111111111111110111111111MMIIIIIMILINIUM1111211111,4VARIE11111EMILUIREIMMIA111 Page 126 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 Employee Entitlements Officers of the Environmental Protection Agency provide a service to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and consequently the Agency is the responsible entity for all employee entitlements. In recognition of this service the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park contributes to the salary and related costs of the officers but does not incur any liabilities with regards to employee entitlements. (1) Losses Recorded losses include loss on disposal of capitalised and non capitalised assets. 2000 1099 $ $ NOTE 2 DEPRECIATION EXPENSE Depreciation expense for the financial year was charged in respect of: Plant and equipment 268,412 323,670 Vessels > $250.000 482,119 491.107 Buildings and Infrastructure 175.749 123.113 926,280 937.890 NOTE 3 ABNORMAL ITEMS Revenue Correction to opening balances of the net book value of 286.184 assets arising from conversion of assets to a new system Expenditure Expenditure incorrectly coded to work in progress in prior year (159.976) 126.208 NOTE 4 CASH Unexpended funds carried over at end of period held by Treasury 160.492 Unexpended funds (10.383) Imprest Accountable Advances 1.100 800 Accountable Advances - Travel 6.480 2.987 (2.803) 164,279 NOTE 5 RECEIVABLES Trade Receivables 97.439 23,279 Monies owing from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authy 300,000 Input Tax Credits 2.625 400.064 23.279 NOTE 6 OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments 41.966 48,501 41,966 48.501 IIIIIIAMIIMILUND1111111111111SIDAMIWAVIDI IIIIIIIIIMIN111111111111111111 Page 127 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 2000 1999 $ NOTE 7 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Buildings and Infrastructure - At cost 403.793 129.124 - Accumulated depreciation (42,549) (25) - At valuation 1.644,965 1.501.699 - Accumulated depreciation (537.685) (400.206) Work In Progress 4.127 1.032,769 Vessels $250.000 - At cost 4.972 987.194 - Accumulated depreciation (6) (93,878) - At valuation 4.438.360 3.312.536 - Accumulated depreciation (2.872.732) (2.241.720) Plant and equipment - At cost 2.547.079 2303.641 - Accumulated depreciation (1.645.228) (1,848,244) Total Property. Plant and Equipment - Net Book Value 3.945,105 5.082.890 NOTE 8 CREDITORS Trade creditors 58.392 18.352 58.392 18.352 NOTE 9 ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE Opening balance 615.543 593.073 Interim revaluation 23.245 22.470 Closing balance 638,788 615,543 NOTE 10 OPENING ACCUMULATED SURPLUS Opening accumulated surplus 4,685.054 4.795.263 Adjustments: 1907/08 revenue incorrectly coded to GBRMP 84,273 1097/98 receivables balance entered into new financial management system incorrectly 904 Reversal of 1997/08 opening balance of prepayments entered twice into new financial management system (23,068) Adjustment to WIP opening balance (624.952) 4.060.102 4,856.472 1111•11111111111111111111MMIMILIMIWIIIIIM1111111M12112111111011311MMONIUral Page 128 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 2000 1999 $ $ NOTE It RECONCILIATION OF NET COST OF SERVICES TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net cost of Services (4.755.950) (4,389.626) Non-cash items: Depreciation 926,280 037.891 Net Losses 8.060 Asset transferred from Environmental Protection Agency (2,781) (187.304) Stock write-on's & other asset adjustments 2,747 (5.737) Non cash abnormal items adjusted through operating activities 77,696 Change in assets and liabilities: (Increase)/Decrease in receivables (376,785) (16.705) (Increase)/Decrease in other assets 6.536 (24.533) Increase/(Decrease) in creditors 40,040 (178,534) Net cash used in operating activities (4.159.913) (3.778,792) NOTE 12 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES There are no known commitments or contingent liabilities of a significant nature at 30 June 2000 (1999 Nit). NOTE 13 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (a) Terms, Conditions and Accounting Policies The entity's accounting policies, including terms and conditions of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument, both recognised and unrecognised at balance date. are as follows: Recognised Financial Statement of Accounting Terms and Instruments Financial Policies Conditions Position Notes Financial Assets 5 Receivables are No terms and Receivables carried at nominal conditions amounts due. apply. Financial Liabilities 8 Liabilities are Trade liabilities Trade creditors and recognised for are normally accruals amounts to be paid settled on in the future for 30 day terms or goods and services less. received whether or not billed to the entity. (b) Interest Rate Risk Exposure No exposure to interest rate risk exists at 30 June 2000. Page 129 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 JUNE 2000 Credit Risk Exposure The entity's maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial asset is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Statement of Financial Position. Net Fair Values The aggregate net fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities at the balance date are as per the Statement of Financial Position. The following methods and assumptions are used to determine the net fair values of financial assets and liabilities. Recognised Financial Instruments Trade Receivables and Trade Payables The carrying amount approximates fair value. 11111111111111111111111111111111111( Zei 11:118111111:111/1111111111104111111111111111 Page 130 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) CERTIFICATE OF THE EVIRONIVIENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY In relation to the operations of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The foregoing financial statements have been prepared as required by the relevant Agreements dated 10 May 1988 between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. We certify that - the statements together with the other information and notes to and forming part thereof are in agreement with the accounts of the Environmental Protection Agency: and the receipt and expenditure of monies and the control and management of assets were in accordance with the approved programs and in accordance with the aforementioned agreements and previous agreements executed between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments with regard to day to day management: and in our opinion - the prescribed requirements in respect of the establishment and keeping of accounts have been complied with in all material respects: and statements have been drawn up so as to present a true and fair view of the transactions and cash flows of the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the period I July 1000 to 30 June 2000. and of the financial position as at 30 June 2000. H. McLoughlin B. Carbon Manager (Financial Services) Director-General Date: ..;242e)D Date: .) ( Page 131 GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2000 23. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT (cont) INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT To the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Scope I have audited the financial statements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the year ended 30 June 2000 comprising the Operating Statement, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows, Notes to and forming part of the financial statements and certificates given by the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency and the person responsible for financial administration of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the preparation and the form of presentation of the financial statements and the information they contain. I have audited the financial statements in order to express an opinion on them. The audit has been conducted in accordance with QAO Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Audit procedures adopted have included the examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial statements and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether, in all material respects, the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with prescribed accounting standards and other prescribed requirements so as to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the entity's financial position. the results of its operations and cash flows. The audit opinion expressed in this certificate has been formed on the above basis. Audit Opinion In terms of the Agreements dated 10 May 1988 between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority relating to the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, I certify that I have received all the information and explanations I have required in respect of the financial statements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and, in my opinion - the prescribed requirements in respect of the establishment and keeping of accounts have been complied with in all material respects; and the statements have been drawn up so as to present a true and fair view in accordance with the prescribed accounting standards and other prescribed requirements of the transactions of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the financial year ended 30 June 2000 and of the financial position as at the end of that year. ofi oFAL/01). 3 0 AUG 2000 SLAW AO O C CLARE Queensland Audit Office Delegate of the Auditor-General of Queensland Brisbane 11111111111111111111111111111111111M 011/1.12:111111:111111111 MVO DI =WM NIA11111:1071311111M11 Page 132 Appendix H. ort of the Audito -Gene al INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT To the Minister for the Environment and Heritage Scope I have audited the financial statements of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for the year ended 30 June 2000. The financial statements comprise: Statement by Members; Operating Statement; Balance Sheet; Statement of Cash Flows; Schedule of Commitments; Schedule of Contingencies; and Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements. The members of the Authority are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements and the information they contain. I have conducted an independent audit of the financial statements in order to express an opinion on them to you. The audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards, to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Audit procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial statements, and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether, in all material respects, the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reporting requirements and statutory requirements in Australia so as to present a view of the entity which is consistent with my understanding of its financial position, the results of its operations and its cash flows. WIL10101111111111131411013111111111111114,11111.11W.V1111 Page 133 The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis. Audit Opinion In my opinion, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Finance Minister's Orders; and the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reporting requirements and Schedule 2 of the Finance Minister's Orders, of the financial position of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as at 30 June 2000 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended. Australian National Audit Office /te AnA-4-01 Edward M. Hay Group Executive Director Delegate of the Auditor-General Canberra 9 October 2000 mommommunitimiarivatuataiminausetaimmaitiriateinnotanami Page 134 riffrarnotunanaimmaimusairsmina Page 135 contracting 87 abbreviations 90 coral bleaching 43 access and equity 63 corporate information 85-89 advertising and marketing 87 corporate services 59-64 aerial surveillance 67 cotton farming, effects on Reef 37 AIMS 43 CRC Reef Research Centre 10, 54-55, 87 anchor damage 23, 68 critical habitats 25, 27 anchorages for cruise ships 23 Critical Issues Groups (C IGs) 14, 20-21 appendices 77-133 crown-of-thorns starfish 43 aquaculture near Reef 36 cruise vessels 22-23 Aquarium 71 cultural heritage of Reef 44 area of Park 50 Audit Committee 7-8, 82 D audit services 64 databases Auditor-General's Report 133-134 fisheries 27-28 coastal developments 36 B REEF Bibliographic 57-58 bareboat operations 23 Day-to-Day Management bleaching of corals 43 Program 65-69 BRDs 26-32 Defence Department 41 bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) 26-32 developments on coast 49 bycatch species 31 effects on Reef 35, 54 diversity of employees 85 C dolphin conservation 40 Cairns area management 48-50 dugong tourism 21-24 conservation 39-40 cap effort in trawl fisheries 29-33 hunting 44 Capricorn / Bunker area 50 Protection Areas 27, 39-40, 68 cartography 56 dune protection 68 catalogue of Library on-line 57 Chairperson's message 2-3 E closures in fisheries 26, 30 East Coast Trawl coastal developments 49 Management Plan 28-33 effect on water quality 34-37 ecological sustainability Coastwatch 67 fisheries 29-33 commercial fishing 25-34 ecosy stems management, fisheries 25-33 community consultation ECTF 28-33 on fisheries 26 education see also training 39, 71-74 area management 51 EEO groups 85-86 compliance with management 66-67 effort, trawl fishing 33 fisheries 28 capping and reduction 29-33 compliance index 91 employee statistics 85-86 conservation and biodiversity 38-45 Environment Australia 19, 44, 57 threatened species 38-41 turtle conservation 39-40 consultants 87 environmental impact of aquaculture 36 Consultative Committee 11-12, 83-84 environmental impact management 49 1.111111111111111111111111111111111M111111111111ML1113111111141111111EMIUZIAt Page 1 36 Environm ental Management Human Resources Unit 61, 64 Charge 21, 61 equal employment opportunity 62-63 I ethics committee 55 Image Collection 57 evaluation services 63-64 impacts of developments 54 Executive 10, 13-16 indigenous cultural liaison 20, 51-52 exhibits at Reef HQ 72-73 industries extensions to Park 45, 50 effect on water quality 34-37 Eye-on-the-Reef 56 involvement in tourism 24 information centres 68 F Information Coordination & Analysis 56 Far Northern section 50 Information Support 52-59 field management 87 Information Technology 55-56 Financial Report summary 75-76 Internet 56 financial statements 92-132 interpretive programs for Reef HQ 72 fisheries 25-34 Intranet 56 aquaculture 36 INTROMARC 10 BRDs 26-32 IUCN 44 closures 30 ecosystems management 25-33 I legislation 27 James Cook University 44, 58 stock assessment 26, 29-33 K sustainability 25-33 TEDs 26-32 Keswick Island 49, 54 20-46 traditional needs 27 key issues of GBRMPA World Heritage values 25-33 L fishing effort, trawl land use, effects on Reef 34-37 capping and reduction 29-33 legal services 16-18 fishing regulations and compliance 28 legislation 4, 7, 17, 36, 67 Forum on Oceans 16 aquaculture 36 freedom of information 16-18, 88-89 fisheries 27 G local government 35-36 GBR map iv Park Act 1975 78-81 Geographic Information zoning plans 50-51 System (GIS) 56 Library services 57-58 goal and aims 5 line fishing 26 Gumoo Woojabuddee section 51 litigation 18 local government and H Reef management 35-36 habitats, critical 25, 27 Local Marine Advisory Committees Heron Island 68 (LMACs) 15, 51, 63 Hinchinbrook area 50, 52 logbooks for fishers 31 Hope Vale 52 M Horizon (Library catalogue) 57 human activities and management plans water quality 34-37 of coastal development 35 111/001101111111111111:1111:Mall.11W1Matifins Page 137 fisheries 26-33 Q tourism areas 20-25 QBFP 16, 66-67 map GBR iv marine mammal stranding 40 mapping Reef project 56 QEPA 10-11, 35, 40, 66 marine animal strandings 67 QFMA 26-32 marine diversity 41 QFS 28 Marine Park extensions 45, 50 QPWS 10, 16, 57 marketing at Reef HQ 73 Park management 65-67 media and public affairs 19 Reef permits 48-49 membership of Authority 6-7 Queensland East Coast Trawl Minister 4, 15, 50-51 Management Plan 28-33 Ministerial Council 11, 18-19, 27-33 Queensland Transport 37 dugong protection 39-40 monitoring R Park management 67-68 recreation see tourism pollutants 35-37 Reef Advisory Committees (RACs) 15 moorings 22-23 conservation 45 fisheries 34 N tourism and recreation 22-24 Nelly B ay development 49, 54 water quality & coastal NOAA 43 development 37 REEF Bibliographic Database 57-58 0 Reef HQ 71-74 offices of Authority 8-9, 60, 63 Reef Management News 19 OH&S 86 Reef Research newsletter 54 oil spills 37 Reef Snapshots 57 operational structure 9-11, 14-15 Reef-VIDEOLINQ 72 P Representative Areas Program 7, 30 Park management 66 41-43 parliamentary liaison 18-19 research and monitoring 53-55 payroll services 61 dugong conservation 39 permits 26, 48-49 at Reef HQ 73 pesticides in water 35 resource management 60-61 plans of management resource sustainability, fisheries 25-33 see management policies review and restructure of of Authority 16 Authority 9-10 pollution effects on Reef 34-37 program delivery 47-52 S protected areas 25, 40 Senior Management Team (SMT) 14 protection of threatened species 27 service charter 10 public affairs and media 19 service groups 47-64 publications 58, 88 shark control program 40 tourism 24 shipping effects on reef 34-37 Shoalwater Bay 51 species in fisheries 25, 30-31 11111111011111111111111111.11101MMINM Wit ;0 Page 138 bycatch 31 visitors to the reef 21 staff development 61 volunteers 68 staff training at Reef HQ 72-73 indigenous culture 52 IT 55 W legal services 17-18 water quality and land use 34-37 of Reef HQ 72 web site 48, 54, 57 OH&S 86 whale conservation 40 standard permits 22 Whitsundays area management 48-50 State of the Reef Reporting 52, 54-55 tourism 21-24 stock in fisheries, assessment 29-33 workplace diversity 62-63 structure of Authority 9-11 World Heritage obligations 44-45 subsidiaries of Authority 10 conservation and biodiversity 38-45 sustainability indicators fisheries 25-34 fisheries 31 sustainability of fisheries 25-33 Z zoning plans 50-51 T TAFE courses 23 TEDs 26-32 tendering 87 threatened species, protection 27, 38-41 tourism and recreation 20-25 impacts 21 permits 48 traditional hunting permits 48 traditional needs 27 training and advisory services 58-59 Park management 66 at Reef HQ 72 tourism operators 23 training of staff in legal services 17-18 indigenous culture 52 OH&S 86 of Reef HQ 72 trawl fisheries 25-33 sustainability and effort 29-33 turtle conservation 39-40 turtle excluder devices (TEDs) 26-32 V vessel maintenance 66 vessel monitoring system 30 visitor facilities and services 68 WIMIMIIIIIIIIII Mal MIIIIIIIIIMISIIIMINDIM Page 139 .