Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority postpones Plan of Management

Despite repeated requests for a review of the Plan of Management on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) agenda by Superyacht Australia, due to work pressures, the item has not made it to the table.  

 

This issue has been an ongoing one for the superyacht sector, with Superyacht Australia seeking to have two amendments made.  The first amendment is to apply a consistent approach to the management of superyachts regardless of whether they are under charter or being operated for private use; a similar to how other global industries, such as aviation, are managed.

 

Secondly, the superyacht industry seeks an amendment to the Cairns and Whitsundays Plans of Management to provide greater flexibility for superyacht visitation. These management arrangements were originally developed in the late 1990's and common consensus is that they do not sufficiently consider superyacht use.

Currently there is little opportunity for superyachts in excess of 35 meters in length to provide the type of quality experience the owners and charter clientele are seeking, particularly to some of the more iconic destinations offshore from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays.

Barry Jenkins, chairman of Superyacht Australia said, “The average size of a superyacht has grown over the years and the environmental performance of these vessels, in most cases, far exceeds the current operating standards of many other vessels. It is time this issue made it to the work agenda for GBRMPA. 

“We have however, noted the considerable effort over the years to improve cruise yacht access throughout the Reef and in Plan of Management areas, for example the cruise yacht specific permits and cruise yacht anchorages and transit corridors.”

Queenslanders are particularly concerned that the extended delay from this decision means less superyachts will cruise in Queensland waters as one of the key attractions for the global superyacht fleet is cruising the Great Barrier Reef.

With the new Queensland Government strategy of doubling tourism revenue by 2020, this is a surprising decision and will be a real barrier to Premier Newman and Minister Jann Stuckey reaching their goal.

Mr Jenkins added, “We will not let this issue rest, we will be talking to all key stakeholders to see if there is some way we can progress this matter. While we appreciate GBRMPA has a significant work agenda we see this as a simple issue that has no downside for anyone and is certainly not an environmental threat to the Great Barrier Reef.”  

 

For further information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au or for further details about Superyacht Australia visit www.superyacht-australia.com

Superyacht News
March 28, 2024
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review

In the realm of maritime luxury, the quest to offer yacht charter guests the perfect night's sleep has become an art form, one which luxury bed and linen supplier, CC Design, has fully committed to.

By Ben Cooling
March 15, 2023
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review

A jacket completes any crew member's uniform so it's an important garment to get right. In this Tried & Tested, Sea Design pits eight popular jackets against one another to determine which one is best for superyacht crew in 2023.

By Nathan Bees
April 19, 2023
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review

iAQUA creates high-performance, technologically advanced underwater scooters. In this Tried & Tested, a team of experienced testers have rated and reviewed the AquaDart Pro and AquaDart Nano series to reveal the stand-out iAQUA sea scooter.

By Holly Sanderson
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April

Singapore Yachting Festival returns for its 2nd event from 25th to 28th April 2024! This years event will showcase an ex...

By Jody Paisey
March 27, 2024
Singapore Yachting Festival and ICOMIA Boating Industry Conference to proceed in April
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

MB92 Group, a leading name in superyacht refit and repair with shipyards in Barcelona and La Ciotat, has introduced "The...

By Holly Sanderson
March 27, 2024
MB92 Group launches new client portal “The Bridge by MB92”

Finished reading? Now find your perfect supplier.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 superyacht suppliers, providers and marinas.

Search now