Overview

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible for managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so it's protected for the future.

Our work is guided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, Corporate Plan, Australian Government policies, Portfolio Budget Statement, Outlook Report and government priorities.

We use the best available scientific information to guide us, and engage with experts and the community. This includes four Reef Advisory Committees and 11 Local Marine Advisory Committees.

Out on the water, field management and enforcement of zoning rules is carried out with Queensland and Australian Government agencies on our behalf.  

We provide a number of other services to protect and manage the Reef ranging from issuing permits, providing advice on marine management, and operating our education centre Reef HQ Aquarium.

We report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Our Board oversees the agency, which is structured into four main Branches.

These are: Marine Park Management, Environment and Sustainability, Communication and Policy Coordination, and Corporate Services.

Our main office is in Townsville, and there are regional offices in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to keep a close connection with those communities.

A small office in Canberra provides ministerial and parliamentary liaison to the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities portfolio and other Australian Government agencies.