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Social impact assessment in the permission system NOT GOVERNMENT POLICY – Draft for consultation September / 2016 Objective To provide guidance on assessing impacts to social values within the permission system. Target audience Primary: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority officers assessing applications for permission. Secondary: Groups and individuals applying for permission; interested members of the public. CONSULTATION NOTES: 1. These guidelines form part of a broader package which has been released for public comment and should be read in conjunction with: a. The draft revised Environmental impact management policy: permission system (Permission system policy) explains how the management of the permission system ensures consistency, transparency and achievement of the objects of the Act. b. The draft Risk assessment procedure explains how GBRMPA determines risk level and the need for avoidance, mitigation or offset measures. c. The draft Guidelines: Applications for permission (Application guidelines) explain when permission is required and how to apply. d. The draft Checklist of application information proposes information required to be submitted before an application is accepted by GBRMPA. e. The draft Guidelines: Permission assessment and decision (Assessment guidelines) explain how applications are assessed and decisions made. f. The draft Information sheet on deemed applications under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC deemed application information sheet) explains how application, assessment and decision processes work for those applications that require approval under both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). g. The draft Information sheet on joint Marine Parks permissions with Queensland (Joint Marine Parks permissions information sheet) explains how GBRMPA and the Queensland Government work together to administer a joint permission system. h. The draft Guidelines: Value impact assessment in the permission system (Value assessment guidelines) provide further detail on specific values of the Marine Park, including how to determine risk and possible avoidance, mitigation or offset measures. i. The draft Guidelines: Location-specific assessment in the permission system (Location-specific assessment guidelines) highlight places in the Marine Park that have site-specific management plans, policies or other information which may be relevant to decisions. j. The draft Guidelines: Activity impact assessment in the permission system (Activity assessment guidelines) provide further detail on how GBRMPA assesses and manages specific activities. 1 of 17

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Page 1: Guidelines-social-values - GBRMPA · Web viewMore than 60 per cent of visitors to the Marine Park travel with certified high standard tourism operators. These operators are committed

NOT GOVERNMENT POLICY – Draft for consultation

Social impact assessment in the permission system

September / 2016Objective To provide guidance on assessing impacts to social values within the permission system.

Target audiencePrimary: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority officers assessing applications for permission.Secondary: Groups and individuals applying for permission; interested members of the public.

CONSULTATION NOTES:1. These guidelines form part of a broader package which has been released for public comment and

should be read in conjunction with:a. The draft revised Environmental impact management policy: permission system (Permission

system policy) explains how the management of the permission system ensures consistency, transparency and achievement of the objects of the Act.

b. The draft Risk assessment procedure explains how GBRMPA determines risk level and the need for avoidance, mitigation or offset measures.

c. The draft Guidelines: Applications for permission (Application guidelines) explain when permission is required and how to apply.

d. The draft Checklist of application information proposes information required to be submitted before an application is accepted by GBRMPA.

e. The draft Guidelines: Permission assessment and decision (Assessment guidelines) explain how applications are assessed and decisions made.

f. The draft Information sheet on deemed applications under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC deemed application information sheet) explains how application, assessment and decision processes work for those applications that require approval under both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).

g. The draft Information sheet on joint Marine Parks permissions with Queensland (Joint Marine Parks permissions information sheet) explains how GBRMPA and the Queensland Government work together to administer a joint permission system.

h. The draft Guidelines: Value impact assessment in the permission system (Value assessment guidelines) provide further detail on specific values of the Marine Park, including how to determine risk and possible avoidance, mitigation or offset measures.

i. The draft Guidelines: Location-specific assessment in the permission system (Location-specific assessment guidelines) highlight places in the Marine Park that have site-specific management plans, policies or other information which may be relevant to decisions.

j. The draft Guidelines: Activity impact assessment in the permission system (Activity assessment guidelines) provide further detail on how GBRMPA assesses and manages specific activities.

k. The Managing facilities discussion paper and draft Guidelines: Activity impact assessment in the permission system – Fixed facilities propose changes to how GBRMPA manages facilities in the Marine Park.

2. Amendments are underway to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983, as outlined in the Response Document prepared after consultation in December 2015. These guidelines have been written to reflect the proposed amendments.

3. You can provide feedback on this document via our online survey, which can also be accessed from our webpage at www.gbrmpa.gov.au/zoning-permits-and-plans/permits/improving-permissions

Purpose

1. Permission decisions contribute to maintaining and enhancing the social values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

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Context

Description and importance of the values

2. For the purpose of these guidelines, the social values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the Marine Park) are:a. accessb. aestheticsc. appreciation, understanding and enjoymentd. human health e. personal connectionf. employment and income.

3. The social values discussed in these guidelines fall within the following two of four themes identified in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan (Reef 2050 Plan): a. Community benefits are the non-monetary advantages that people gain from a healthy and

well-managed Marine Park. i. The Marine Park contributes to the well-being of both local and international communities

and plays a vital role in community life. ii. People value and visit the Great Barrier Reef for a wide range of reasons, such as nature

appreciation, relaxation, recreation, and for its outstanding universal value as a world heritage area.

iii. The consequential and cumulative impacts on community benefits from activities have not historically been well documented.

b. Economic benefits are the monetary advantages that people derive directly or indirectly from a healthy and well-managed Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef supports industries such as shipping, commercial fishing, tourism and the marine recreational industry. These industries generate income and employment for thousands of people in coastal communities near the Great Barrier Reef, and beyond.

4. Social values should be considered in terms of the appropriate scale, which may be a single town, a region, a state, or even the international community.

5. The social values of specific groups within a community should also be considered. In particular, Traditional Owners have a unique perspective on social values stemming from their long and continuing interactions with the Great Barrier Reef.

Access

6. Access refers to people’s ability to enter and use the Marine Park and its resources.

7. Millions of people visit the Marine Park each year. It provides a wide range of recreational opportunities such as boating, snorkelling, diving, fishing and nature appreciation. There are also opportunities for commercial fishing, marine tourism and education.

8. In some key locations, management arrangements such as Plans of Management separate or limit certain use to avoid conflicts.

9. Access also refers to the potential for people to visit and use the Marine Park in the future.1,2,3

Aesthetics

10. Aesthetics refers to people’s perceptions of the beauty of a site or object. While aesthetics are strongly influenced by visual appearance, all the senses play a role – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Aesthetics influence the way in which people value and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

11. Aesthetics is highly personal – one person may seek solitude and quiet, while another seeks social interactions. The same person often values different elements at different times. Places that are easy to access are less likely to provide opportunities for enjoying solitude or tranquillity, but may enhance opportunities for socialising and personal comfort.

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12. Perceptions of the beauty and desirability of natural areas are influenced by people’s personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. Psychological, social or cultural dimensions of aesthetics include a sense of history, a sense of place, inspiration, spiritual connections; and opportunities for learning, relaxation, recreation and escapism.3

13. Aesthetics are recognised under criterion (vii) of the World Heritage Convention: for attributes which ‘contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.’

14. Aesthetics are closely linked to the condition of biophysical and heritage values within the Marine Park. The natural beauty of most of the Marine Park remains intact, especially for offshore coral reefs and aerial vistas, as well as for neighbouring islands (many of which are Queensland national parks). Significant loss of coral cover has reduced underwater aesthetic value at many inshore reefs, particularly since the year 2000 due to severe weather, crown-of-thorns starfish and increased sea surface temperatures.

15. Aesthetics are closely linked to other social values such as access, understanding and personal connection.

Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment

16. Understanding refers to people’s knowledge of the Marine Park, its values and the interconnected systems that support life on the Great Barrier Reef. a. Understanding comes from learning, either in-person or remotely. b. Personal experiences, together with scientific knowledge and cultural knowledge gained from

stories passed from one generation to the next (including intergenerational aspects of learning for wise decision-making)1, provide a context for understanding the Marine Park and its values.

c. Understanding allows reflection on what the Great Barrier Reef may have been like in the past; how it contributed to human wellbeing; and how it has responded to human activities.

17. Appreciation refers to realising and feeling grateful for the uniqueness of the Great Barrier Reef. Appreciation often grows with understanding.

18. Enjoyment refers to the positive emotions people experience when they visit or see the Marine Park. a. Most people in the world will never visit the Marine Park in person, but many still enjoy the

Marine Park through photographs, videos or stories. b. The Marine Park’s biophysical and heritage values are the primary reasons why people visit the

Reef either as part of a commercial tourist program or in a recreational capacity.

19. There are many opportunities for coastal residents and visitors to learn about and help protect the Great Barrier Reef. a. A key component of many tourism programs is presenting and interpreting the Marine Park to

their guests. More than 60 per cent of visitors to the Marine Park travel with certified high standard tourism operators. These operators are committed to a high standard of presentation and interpretation as part of their daily operation.

b. Through GBRMPA’s Reef Guardian stewardship program, local stakeholders are encouraged to take hands-on actions to care for the Great Barrier Reef. The program includes schools, local councils, farmers, graziers and commercial fishers. Participants are encouraged to go beyond what is required by law in their day-to-day activities and to become active stewards. This includes sharing information about their actions.

c. Other stewardship initiatives such as the Eye on the Reef program contribute vital information about Marine Park values from people who are in the Marine Park daily. Participants contribute substantially to understanding trends in the condition of values through time and at many locations throughout the Marine Park.

Human health

20. Human health refers to the physical and mental health benefits that residents and visitors derive from the Marine Park. People benefit from relaxation and stress reduction through recreational activities and access to natural settings; healthy inputs to diets from freshly caught local seafood; and exercise from snorkelling, boating and fishing.

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21. The health benefits people derive from the Marine Park are diminished by those impacts that make the Marine Park a less attractive and fulfilling place to visit, and by those that reduce the quality and availability of its food resources, clean air or water.

EXAMPLES Contaminants from waste discharge or land-based run-off can affect seafood abundance or quality. A poorly maintained facility or vessel in the Marine Park can pose dangers to people.

Personal connection

22. Personal connection refers to people’s spiritual connections, cultural ties, employment, stewardship activities, places of residence and recreational activities that are associated with the Marine Park. It links each individual stakeholder, visitor, local resident and Traditional Owner to the Marine Park.

23. The Great Barrier Reef is a key part of the identity of adjacent coastal communities. It is a major source of pride and distinction for these communities. More than 95 per cent of nearby residents have visited the Great Barrier Reef at least once in their lives. Many coastal residents report that they chose where they live so as to be close to the Great Barrier Reef and that there are ‘not many other places better than the Great Barrier Reef for the recreation activities they enjoy’.4

24. Commercial fishers and tourism operators identify very strongly with their occupations and the places where they live and work. This is highlighted by the fact that few, if any, who were directly affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi or the central Queensland floods in 2011 changed their jobs or moved elsewhere, despite economic imperatives to find alternative income.Error: Reference source not found

25. Traditional Owners continue to maintain connection to their sea country, for example, through stories and songlines, sites of cultural significance and important saltwater ceremonies. See the Guidelines: Indigenous heritage impact assessment in the permission system (Indigenous heritage value assessment guidelines) for more information.

26. Australians as a whole also identify strongly with the Great Barrier Reef as a national icon. A 2014 survey conducted as part of the Social and Economic Long Term Monitoring Program found that 80 per cent of Australians see the Great Barrier Reef as vital to their identity.4 Across the world, people of many nations feel a strong personal connection to the Great Barrier Reef, even if they have never visited in person.

27. People’s personal connection with the Great Barrier Reef is diminished by impacts that degrade the quality of its key habitats, iconic locations and iconic species. In particular, Traditional Owner connections are affected by any impacts on their sea country and their ability to maintain their culture in relation to it.

Employment and income

28. Employment refers to jobs created or sustained as a result of activities conducted in the Marine Park. Income refers to money that people receive as a result of activities conducted in the Marine Park.

29. The benefits that businesses, individuals and communities derive from the Marine Park are founded on its biodiversity, geomorphological features, and the range of Indigenous and historic heritage values. Employment and income are therefore affected by impacts that diminish the condition of these foundational values.

30. Activities in the Marine Park generate income and employment for tens of thousands of people both within and outside the Marine Park, as the flow-on benefits reach far beyond the boundaries of the Marine Park. The Marine Park supports significant commercial uses linked to recreation, tourism and commercial fishing. These industries play an important role in regional Queensland and rely on a healthy Reef ecosystem for long-term economic stability.

31. The economic contribution generated by tourism, recreation, commercial fishing and scientific research in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the World Heritage Area in 2012 was estimated to be $5.6 billion. This has been relatively stable over the past five years.6

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32. Commercial marine tourism is a major use of the Marine Park, both in terms of economic value and employment. It is estimated that, in 2011–12, Great Barrier Reef-based tourism contributed approximately $5.2 billion to the Australian economy and supported employment equivalent to about 69,000 full-time positions.6

33. It is important to note, the economic estimates are likely to be only a portion of the total economic value of the Great Barrier Reef, as most ecosystem services have not yet been calculated.

Management

34. Refer to Appendix A for a full list of related legislation, standards and policy.

Zoning and Legislation

35. Ecologically sustainable human use of the Marine Park is a secondary objective of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. Human use is allowed where consistent with the primary objective of the Act: to provide for the long term protection and conservation of the environment, biodiversity and heritage values of the Marine Park. Human uses which may be allowed include:a. public enjoyment and appreciation b. public education about and understanding of the Region c. recreational, economic and cultural activitiesd. research in relation to the natural, social, economic and cultural systems and value of the Great

Barrier Reef Region.

36. Plans of Management are statutory plans used primarily for managing human uses in popular recreation or tourism areas. They seek to protect biodiversity and heritage but also to manage competing uses. As such, they are highly relevant to social values.

EXAMPLEThe Cairns Area Plan of Management limits tourism to balance opportunities for recreation with protection of the natural environment. The plan include rules relating to motorised water sports, anchoring, mooring, vessel size and passenger numbers to protect locations and species vulnerable to high levels of use.

37. Special Management Areas (SMA) are designated for a number of reasons. One type that is particularly relevant to social values is the Public Appreciation SMA, which restricts spearfishing, commercial aquarium collecting, and other extractive uses in specific Conservation Park (Yellow) Zones which are popular with recreational visitors.

38. The Location-specific assessment guidelines provide more information about Plans of Management and Special Management Areas.

Policy

39. Site-specific plans, policies and management arrangements have been published for many locations and sites within the Marine Park. They identify significant values of the site and describe how GBRMPA intends to manage human uses to protect these values. See the Location-specific assessment guidelines for more information about these non-statutory site plans.

Management Objectives40. The Reef 2050 Plan explains how GBRMPA and the Queensland Government will respond to the

challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef. It addresses the findings of the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014 (Outlook Report)  and builds on the Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment: Strategic Assessment Report 2014 (Strategic Assessment).

41. The values of the Marine Park, their integrity and their current condition are described in the Outlook Report and the Strategic Assessment. Refer to Table 1 for summary assessment of current condition, trend and management objectives for each of the social values.

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Table 1. Summary assessment of condition, trend and overall management objectives of social values from the Strategic Assessment.

Value Area Current Condition

Trend Management Objective

Access Reef-wide Good Stable Maintain

Aesthetics Reef-wide Good Deteriorating Improve

Appreciation, Enjoyment and Understanding

Reef-wide Very good Stable Maintain

Personal connection Reef-wide Very good Stable Maintain

Human health Reef-wide Very good Stable Maintain

Employment and Income Reef-wide Good Stable Maintain

Common assessment considerations

42. GBRMPA is developing more detailed guidance and standards relating to social impact assessment. Until this is available, applicants should refer to other publicly available materials and/or qualified private consultants to assist. The following resources are not endorsed by GBRMPA but may be useful reference:a. Queensland Coordinator-General’s Social Impact Assessment Guideline 2013 . b. International Association for Impact Assessment’s Guidance Note on Social Impact Assessment

2015.

43. Many different tools and methodologies are available for conducting social impact assessments. GBRMPA may use such tools to support its own assessment of social impacts. Where applicants are considering using a particular tool or methodology, this should be discussed with GBRMPA early in the process to be sure it meets GBRMPA’s requirements.

44. The Australian Bureau of Statistics offers many useful resources for quantitative data about communities.

45. Local councils are a useful source of information about social values. In most cases, the local council planning scheme describes the council’s desired outcomes for social development.

46. Statutory regional plans developed under Queensland planning legislation are important expressions of State interests in a given region. In most cases, these regional plans describe the State’s desired social outcomes for the region. Regional plans exist for all regions in Queensland, except the Townsville/North Queensland region (which is under development).

47. Regional report cards which include social values have been developed by many regional natural resource management bodies in partnership with local councils, state government, businesses and research institutes. These provide valuable local insight into social values and their condition. Examples include: a. Fitzroy Partnership - Ecosystem Health Report b. Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership c. Mackay-Whitsunday waterway health d. Managing Fitzroy River Water Quality .

48. Underpinning the Reef 2050 Plan is the Reef Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program. Through this program, GBRMPA is working with partners to classify, select and prioritise indicators for assessment, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on social values.

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49. One of the most challenging aspects of evaluating impacts to social values is that a positive impact for one section of the community often creates a negative impact for another section. For example, building a new marina may generate employment and income for the tourism industry (and flow-on benefits to the broader regional economy) but may result in a serious reduction in aesthetics, amenity or personal connection for people who value the existing site in its more natural state. Such ‘trade-offs’ can be difficult to evaluate objectively in an assessment. In all cases, the goal is to reduce risks and enhance benefits for all sections of the community to the greatest extent possible.

50. For higher risk or more complex proposals, a community reference group or other formal structure is a useful technique to gather information and evaluate options for maximising community and economic benefits.

Links to other values

Historic heritage values

51. Historic heritage refers to the occupation and use of an area since the arrival of European and other migrants. Social and historical heritage values are often closely linked; for example, shipwrecks can be popular and profitable dive sites.

52. Refer to the Guidelines: Historic heritage impact assessment in the permission system (Historic heritage value assessment guidelines) for more information.

Indigenous heritage values

53. Indigenous heritage refers to heritage values of significance to Indigenous people in accordance with their practices, observances, customs, traditions, beliefs or history. For Traditional Owners, the ability to maintain and strengthen Indigenous heritage values is essential to realising community and economic benefits.

54. Refer to the Guidelines: Indigenous heritage impact assessment in the permission system (Indigenous heritage value assessment guidelines) for more information.

Biophysical values

55. Social values are highly dependent on healthy habitats, species and ecological communities. Refer to the individual value assessment guidelines for more information.

Hazards56. The Risk assessment procedure lists the most common potential hazards to the Marine Park. Those

that are most likely to impact directly on social values include:a. change in current or future human use patternsb. change in aesthetics or amenityc. change in employment or incomed. change in noisee. contamination of airf. contamination of water or sediment.

57. Social values can experience flow-on or indirect impacts from other hazards.

Permission Types

58. Impacts on social values should be considered for all permission types. Refer to the Assessment guidelines for more information.

59. Some examples of how different permission types may impact on social values are provided below:a. conducting a tourist program – potential positive or negative impacts on all social values due to

changing human use patterns b. conducting an aquaculture operation – potential positive impact on human health by making

more local seafood available; or negative impact on income by accidental release of exotic species affecting an existing wild-caught fishery

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c. operating a facility, being a jetty – potential positive impact on access by making it easier for people to visit an island; or negative impact on personal connection by an increase in visitation upsetting existing residents.

Mitigation and monitoring

60. The Risk assessment procedure is used to determine whether additional avoidance or mitigation measures are required to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

61. Avoiding impacts on particularly vulnerable sections of the community should generally be the priority for decision makers. These are the businesses, individuals or communities that are less able to adapt to change, often due to other pressures unrelated to the current proposal.

62. Mitigation measures should be appropriate to the specific social value and the community. A community reference group and/or community consultation can be used to evaluate the appropriateness, and likely effectiveness, of proposed mitigation measures.

63. Social value monitoring standards are being established through the Reef Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program. Where GBRMPA standards have not yet been established, applicants should use best available knowledge to propose how they will monitor for changes to social values.

Consequence

64. The Risk assessment procedure contains a generic table of consequences for social values. This is duplicated in Table 2.

65. GBRMPA may create additional, more detailed consequence tables in the future for specific social values.

Assessment information CONSULTATION NOTES:The draft Checklist of application information provides a list of information that is proposed to be required before an application is accepted as valid. Following public consultation, the application forms will be updated to include the required information.

66. Additional information may be required depending on the type of activity. This is outlined based on the assessment process. Refer to the Application guidelines for more information on how assessment processes are determined.

67. Other information that may be useful when assessing potential impacts on social values includes:a. analysis of commercial and non-commercial uses that may be impacted positively or negatively

from the proposed activityb. identification of broad drivers (direct and indirect impacts to social values) of change relevant to

the proposed activity, as defined in the Strategic Assessment. c. identification of stakeholders and affected parties to broadly identify who may be affected (both

positively and negatively) by the proposed activity and what level of public participation should occur.

68. For higher risk or more complex proposals (those requiring public comment), a Social Impact Management Plan should be submitted by the applicant with their application. The plan should: a. explain how social impacts were assessedb. explain stakeholder or public comment that was conducted and summarise the resultsc. describe existing social values within the likely zone of impact of the proposald. analyse (quantitatively where possible) the potential positive and negative impacts of the

proposal on social valuese. describe proposed avoidance, mitigation or offset measuresf. describe proposed monitoring and management strategies (if the proposal is approved), including

ongoing roles of stakeholders throughout the life of the activity.

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Table 2. Consequence scale for social values

Consequence to value

Degrees of Severity

Positive(Enhance)

Negligible(Maintain)

Minor Moderate Major Extreme

Social values

Access

Aesthetics

Appreciation, understanding and enjoyment

Human health

Personal connection

Employment and income

Local, regional or widespread scale:

The activity creates a long-term improvement in at least one aspect of community benefits.

Local, regional or widespread scale:

The activity does not cause any noticeable decline in social values, even in the short term.

AND/OR

The activity creates a short-term improvement in social values which does not endure once the activity ceases.

Local scale: Temporary (<6 months) decline in social values for less than 10 % of a single community or stakeholder group. The affected group is able to cope with this temporary impact (for example, during construction), after which social indicators return to pre-disturbance levels within 5 years.

Regional or widespread scale: Impacts one or several components of social values at multiple locations or one sensitive or high value location. Impacts affect less than 10% of GBR stakeholders and persist for less than 3 months, after which social indicators return to pre-disturbance levels within 5 years.

Local scale: Noticeable decline in social values for 10-30% of a single community or stakeholder group. The community is able to compensate for or recover from these impacts within 10 years, though this will require some effort and resources.

Regional or widespread scale: Temporary (<6 months) decline in social values for a single vulnerable stakeholder group and/or for stakeholders at multiple locations, which overall affect less than 10% of all GBR stakeholders. Affected groups are able to cope with this temporary impact (for example, during construction), after which social indicators return to pre-disturbance levels within 5 years.

Local scale – Noticeable decline in social values for 30-60% of a single community or stakeholder group. The community may not be able to compensate for or recover from these impacts within 10 years, and major assistance is needed to help the community to transition through the change.

Regional or widespread scale: Noticeable and enduring decline in social values for a single vulnerable stakeholder group and/or for stakeholders at multiple locations, affecting 10-30% of all GBR stakeholders. The community is able to compensate for or recover from these impacts within 10 years, though this will require some effort and resources.

Local scale –Permanent reduction in social values for more than 60% of a single community or stakeholder group. No means of compensation or adjustment appear to be available to minimise these impacts.

Regional or widespread scale: The activity causes a noticeable decline in social values for multiple vulnerable stakeholder groups and/or for stakeholders at multiple locations, affecting 30-60% of all GBR stakeholders. Vulnerable groups may not be able to compensate for or recover from these impacts within 10 years, and major assistance is needed to help communities to transition through the change.

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Implementation

69. These draft guidelines have been prepared for the purpose of seeking public feedback.

70. After the consultation closes, GBMRPA will consider public submissions in finalising the guidelines.

71. The final guidelines are planned for public release in July 2017, to coincide with amendments to the Regulations taking effect.

DefinitionsConsequence

The outcome of an event affecting objectives; to what degree an impact may affect a value of the Marine Park (and, as a result, the objects of the Act). Consequences may be certain or uncertain and can have positive or negative effects on objectives.

Event A change in situation; something happening or not happening (when it was expected); an incident or occurrence that exposes a value to a hazard

HazardA source of potential harm; a situation, action or behaviour that may negatively impact a Marine Park value, whether intentionally or unintentionally; some may be outside the ability of GBRMPA’s permission system to control (such as global greenhouse gas emissions).

Impact The result or effect that happens when a Marine Park value is exposed to a hazard; may be positive or negative.

Marine Park values The values of the Marine Park as defined in the 5-yearly Outlook Report.

Mitigation measures Actions that, if implemented, would reduce risk (by reducing the consequence and/or likelihood of impacts).

ObjectivesWithin the permission system, this means the objects of the Act.

Offset measuresActions that, if implemented, would compensate for likely impacts and therefore may counteract some consequences.

Permission system The regulated system of managing activities in the Marine Park which require GBRMPA’s permission, accreditation, notification or exemption. Refer to GBRMPA’s Environmental impact management policy: permission system (Permission system policy) for more information.

RiskDefined by the Australia/New Zealand Standard for Risk Management (AS/NZS 31000:2009) as “effect of uncertainty on objectives;” within the permission system, ‘risk’ relates to uncertainty as to whether the objects of the Act can be achieved.

Severity How serious a consequence would be if it occurred; the degree of degradation that would occur to the value if that consequence occurred.

Zone of impact The geographical area that may be exposed to direct, indirect, consequential or cumulative impacts from the proposed activity.

Supporting information

1. World Commission on Environment and Development 1987, Our Common Future, Oxford University Press, New York (also referred to as the Bruntland Report).

2. Commonwealth of Australia 1992, National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development. http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/esd/publications/national-esd-strategy

3. Context Pty Ltd. 2013, Defining the aesthetic values of the Great Barrier Reef, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities., Canberra. https://www.environment.gov.au/resource/defining-aesthetic-values-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area-february-2013

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4. CSIRO 2014, Measuring the human dimension of the Great Barrier Reef: Social and economic long term monitoring program. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship. http://seltmp.eatlas.org.au/seltmp

5. Gooch, M., Vella, K., Marshall, N.A., Tobin, R. and Pears, R. 2012, A rapid assessment of the effects of extreme weather on two Great Barrier Reef industries, Australian Planner 50(3): 198-215.

6. Deloitte Access Economics 2013, Economic contribution of the Great Barrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a3ef2e3f-37fc-4c6f-ab1b-3b54ffc3f449/files/gbr-economic-contribution.pdf

Further information

Director - Environmental Assessment and Protection

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2 - 68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810Australia

Phone + 61 7 4750 0700Fax + 61 7 4772 6093Email: [email protected]

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

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APPENDIX A: Related Legislation, Standards and Policy

1. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (C’th)

2. Marine Park Act 2004 (QLD)

3. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 (C’th)

4. Marine Parks Regulation 2006 (QLD)

5. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (C’th)

6. Marine Parks (Great Barrier Reef Coast) Zoning Plan 2004 (QLD)

7. Great Barrier Reef Intergovernmental Agreement

8. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

9. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Environmental Management Charge-General) Act 1993

10. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Environmental Management Charge-Excise) Act 1993

11. Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981

12. Cairns Area Plan of Management 1998

13. Hinchinbrook Plan of Management 2004

14. Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998

15. Shoalwater Bay (Dugong) Plan of Management 1997

16. Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act)

17. Privacy Act 1988

18. Native Title Act 1993

19. Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report (the Outlook Report)

20. Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment Report (the Strategic Assessment)

21. Great Barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment Program Report (the Program Report)

22. Policy on Moorings in the Great Barrier Reef

23. Cruise Shipping Policy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (under review)

24. Managing Tourism Permissions to Operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (including Allocation, Latency and Tenure)

25. Policy on Managing Bareboat Operations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

26. Marine Tourism Contingency Plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

27. Managing Scientific Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

28. Managing Activities that Include the Direct Take of a Protected Species from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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29. Operations Policy on Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

30. Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy

31. Dredging coral reef habitats policy

32. Sewage Discharges from Marine Outfalls to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

33. Guidelines on Coral Transplantation

34. Guidelines for the Emergency Disposal of Foreign Fishing Vessels

35. Guidelines for the Management of Artificial Reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

36. Guidelines for Managing Visitation to Seabird Breeding Islands

37. Management of Commercial Jet Ski Operations Around Magnetic Island

38. Indigenous Participation in Tourism and its Management

39. Permits Information Bulletin – No Structure Sub-Zones

40. Guidelines for the Use of Hydrodynamic Numerical Modelling for Dredging Projects in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

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