Great Barrier Reef Strategic Assessment

The Queensland Government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

This was demonstrated through its strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef coastal zone in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

The Great Barrier Reef coastal zone strategic assessment outlines how Queensland's planning, development and coastal management processes identify and protect Matters of National Environmental Significance and the GBR's Outstanding Universal Value .

It takes a broad, landscape-scale assessment of the state's legislation, policies, plans and programs with the aim of ensuring that planning and development within the coastal zone occurs in a sustainable manner.

Background

The Great Barrier Reef coastal zone strategic assessment was undertaken according to the terms of reference.

Consistent with the terms of reference, draft coastal zone strategic assessment reports were independently reviewed in September-October 2013 and were subject to public consultation in late 2013 and early 2014.

The Great Barrier Reef coastal zone strategic assessment is part of a comprehensive strategic assessment which includes a strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area undertaken by the Australian Government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The comprehensive strategic assessment responds to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's request of July 2011 that the Australian Government undertakes a comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef and develops a long-term plan for sustainable development that will protect the region.

Reef 2050 long-term sustainability plan

We're implementing the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan, the most comprehensive plan ever developed to secure the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come.

Delivered in partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments, the plan sets an overarching vision 'to ensure the Great Barrier Reef continues to improve on its outstanding universal value every decade between now and 2050 to be a natural wonder for each successive generation to come'.

The Reef 2050 plan draws together the expertise and science critical to managing the reef for the next three decades and beyond.  The plan is also informed by the outcomes of the comprehensive strategic assessment.

The Australian Government, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Government are working together to implement the Reef 2050 plan. View the Reef 2050 implementation strategy.

Further information

Find out more about the Great Barrier Reef via:

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Last updated: 15 Feb 2024