Dr Poiner is a highly respected marine scientist with a long history of involvement in Great Barrier Reef science and conservation.

Dr Poiner is the current Chair of the Australian and New Zealand International Ocean Discovery Program Consortium, Chair CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Advisory Committee and a member of the board of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.  

His recent roles include, Chair of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System; Marine National Facility Steering Committee and the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. Dr Poiner is also the Patron of the Australian Marine Sciences Association.

Following a successful research career at CSIRO (1985–2004), Dr Poiner served as the CEO of AIMS from 2004 to 2011. He was a member of the International Scientific Steering Committee of the Census of Marine Life from 2002 and its Chair from 2007 to 2013. From 2012 to 2016, he was Chair of the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership Science Panel.

In 2008, Dr Poiner was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in recognition of his leadership of research and development-based enterprises for the benefit of marine science, the conservation of some of the most iconic marine life and marine habitats on Earth including the Great Barrier Reef, and the development of the marine industry.

In 2013, JCU awarded Dr Poiner an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding service and distinguished public contribution to the northern Queensland community and exceptional service rendered to the University, comprising of academic excellence and the exercise of outstanding leadership.

Dr Poiner holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) 1A Zoology and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Queensland.

On 25th May 2023 Dr. Poiner was re-appointed as Chairperson for five years. Dr Poiner replaced the previous Chairperson, Dr Russell Reichelt, who retired in 2018 after 11 years with the Authority.

Mr Thomas was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in 2019 for a term of five years. Mr Thomas has over 20 years’ experience in the public and private sector in Australia and overseas. He has helped shape and lead environmental policy and programs for the Great Barrier Reef and in terrestrial natural resource management.

Mr Thomas has worked in a number of senior public sector roles and across the environment, agriculture and finance portfolios, as well as in federal Ministerial offices. He has a strong track record of public engagement on matters affecting Australia’s World Heritage sites, and through major environmental programs such as the Biodiversity Fund and Caring for our Country.

Mr Thomas’ policy experience in the marine environment extends across the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments, migratory and endangered species, whaling matters, marine parks and Antarctica. He is committed to enhancing Australia’s natural environment and has been a strong advocate for incorporating both contemporary science and Indigenous traditional knowledge into environmental management throughout his career.

Mr Thomas lives in Townsville and holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of International Affairs, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Professor Emma Johnston AO FTSE FRSN is Dean of Science and Professor of Marine Ecology and Ecotoxicology at UNSW Sydney.  Professor Johnston studies the impacts of human activities in marine ecosystems and how we can build ecological resilience. Her research is conducted in diverse field environments; from Antarctica, to the Great Barrier Reef, and temperate Australian estuaries.

A highly awarded scientist, educator and communicator, Professor Johnston has published more than 160 peer-reviewed articles and supervised 25 successful PhD graduates. She is an elected fellow of the Australian Technological Society (ATSE) and her awards include the Australian Academy of Science’s inaugural Nancy Millis Medal and the Royal Society of New South Wales Clark Medal and the Eureka prize for Science Communication.

In 2018 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (OA) for “distinguished service to higher education, particularly to marine ecology and ecotoxicology, as an academic, researcher and administrator, and to scientific institutes”.

Professor Johnston is a national advocate for the Science and Technology sector and is a Director on the Board of the Antarctic Science Foundation and is immediate past-President of Science & Technology Australia.  

She consults with industry through the development and implementation of new biomonitoring and ecological engineering techniques and frequently contributes expert opinion to state, federal & international government agencies. Professor Johnston is also a highly sought-after science communicator and television presenter for the ongoing BBC/Foxtel series, Coast Australia and ABC Catalyst.

She was reappointed as a member of the Authority Board on 27 May 2021 for a five-year term concluding on 26 May 2026.

Ms Morris developed a passion for the Reef while sailing and exploring the far northern reefs from Port Douglas 1974. After graduating from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology/Zoology, followed by an Honours degree at Murdoch University. She founded the first marine biologist guided snorkelling tours with her company Reef Biosearch on Quicksilver from Port Douglas in 1986 and continues to spend time on the reef.

Since 1990, Ms Morris has been involved in tourism businesses including reef charter vessels, hotels, resorts and attractions. Through her family’s company, she was involved in the successful establishment of the Mt Emerald Windfarm.

Board appointments have included Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, Advance Cairns, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef most recently as Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

In 2017, Ms Morris was awarded the Marie Watson Blake Award for outstanding contribution by an individual by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

Ms Morris was appointed as a part-time member of the Authority Board for five years effective from 7 February 2019.

Mr Duane Fraser is a Wulgurukaba and Bidjara Traditional Owner, and has extensive experience advising Commonwealth and State Governments on matters relating to Indigenous Affairs and Environmental Policy.

Mr Fraser enjoys a diverse national and global network that includes high level influencers, current and ex-politicians from both major parties, senior executives, and grass roots communities.

He uses his profile to create positive change and impact to ensure Traditional Owners are given the opportunity for full and effective participation and leadership roles at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.

Mr Fraser has presented at numerous international fora on the advancement of Indigenous peoples of the world and their empowerment in the protection and safeguarding of their delicate biocultural land and seascapes, heritage and cultural expressions.

Mr Fraser has a high-level understanding of the Authority's strategic objectives and ministerial priorities and has demonstrated experience in providing advice to multiple state and federal government ministers.

Currently serving as Chair of the Federal Minister for the Environment's Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC), Mr Fraser serves on several committees including the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee and the NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub Steering Committee.

Ms Robbie Sefton brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, natural resource management, and strategic communications.

She is currently the Managing Director of Sefton & Associates Pty Ltd, a rural strategic communications company. She is also a partner in the Nangandie Pastoral Company farming enterprise producing wool, meat and grains.

She has extensive experience across a number of agricultural sectors and direct experience of the links between agriculture and natural resource management.

She is a member of numerous boards and advisory groups for governments, business and not-for-profits.

This includes Chair of the Panel for the Independent Assessment of Social and Economic Conditions in the Murray-Darling Basin, Deputy Chair of the National Australia Day Council and is a board member of the Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils.

Ms Robbie Sefton has lived, worked and traveled all over regional, rural and remote Australia as rural leader and advocate.

She was appointed as a member of the Authority on 28 May 2020 for a five-year term concluding on 27 May 2025.

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 280th meeting virtually on 23 August 2023.

The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to note progress in developing the Great Barrier Reef Blueprint for Climate Resilience and Adaption approved the Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs and, in principle, approval for associated amendments to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations and approved release of public notice to commence development of a new Plan of Management for the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 280 (2023-280-01i on 23/08/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED new members of the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee and Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee were onboarded.
• NOTED the approach taken by the Reef Authority to ensure diversity in the committees.
• NOTED a Tourism Reef Advisory Committee Out-of-Session Meeting on the Reef Knowledge System was held in June.
• NOTED Reef Advisory Committee meetings were held in August 2023.
• AGREED on rotating Board attendance at Reef Advisory Committee meetings in 2024.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Reef Blueprint: Progress Update

• Decision MPA 280 (2023-280-03 on 23/08/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the progress in developing the Great Barrier Reef Blueprint for Climate Resilience and Adaption.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs

• Decision MPA 280 (2023-280-04 on 23/08/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• REVOKED the Interim Policy on Fish Aggregation Devices and Artificial Reefs (MPA-2020-263-07).
• APPROVED the Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs to be published as a policy under section 7(4) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth).
• NOTED that supporting information outlining the lines of evidence that contributed to the policy position will be published separately. 
• APPROVED, in principle, for amendments to be prepared to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019 (Cth) to prohibit fish aggregating devices and artificial reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the decision. 

Policy and Planning Strategic Roadmap, Southern Plan of Management, Part 5 Guideline, Cairns Commercial Guide

• Decision MPA 280 (2023-280-05 on 23/08/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• APPROVED release of the “public notice” to commence the development of a new Plan of Management for the Southern Great Barrier Reef, supporting the investment warning approach. 
• APPROVED delegating approval to the CEO on final edits to the public notice once the Board has considered out-of-session the final wording of the Traditional Owner statement. 
• NOTED publication of the ‘Guideline — Section 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 of the Zoning Plan’ prepared under s7(4) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth).
• NOTED the publication of the ‘Guide to Tourism Operations and Commercial Activities in the Cairns Planning Area’.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Professor Emma Johnston
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Ms Robbie Sefton

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 279th meeting in Brisbane on 20 - 21 June 2023.

The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to discuss and approve members of the Reef Authority’s Reef Advisory Committees, discuss the revision of the Sustainability Strategy Update, note the Secretary’s Briefing and note the development of the Corporate Plan.

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 279 (2023-279-01i on 20/06/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• APPROVED the appointment of the recommended Chairperson to the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee.
• APPROVED the appointment of two new members to the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee. 
• APPROVED seven existing Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee members being extended for another 12 months.
• APPROVED the appointment of the recommended Chairperson to the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee.
• APPROVED the appointment of the recommended members to the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee.
• NOTED possible agenda items for the next committee meetings and a joint meeting scheduled for August 2023.
• NOTES Board approval of the new Tourism Reef Advisory Committee Chairperson and Member will occur out-of-session.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

Sustainability Strategy Update

• Decision MPA 279 (2023-279-03 on 20/06/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) is revising its Sustainability Strategy.
• NOTED the revised Sustainability Strategy will include supplementary elements including:
  • a Renewable Marine Fuels Options Report
  • a Sustainable Procurement Framework
  • a Carbon Credits Options Report 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 
• Secretary’s Briefing – Mr David Fredericks
• Decision MPA 277 (2023-279-08 on 21/06/2023):
• The Reef Authority: 
  • NOTED the update provided. 
  • CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Corporate Plan

• Decision MPA 279 (2023-279-11 on 21/06/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the requirements and process to develop the 2023-24 Corporate Plan.
• APPROVED the pre-design, text-based 2023-24 Corporate Plan for the Accountable Authority approval.
• DELEGATED approval of amendments based on Board advice and the final designed version of the 2023-24 Corporate Plan to the Accountable Authority.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Mr Mark Cridland
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Professor Emma Johnston
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Ms Robbie Sefton
   

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 278th meeting virtually on 27 April 2023.

The meeting provided Board members an opportunity to discuss and provide advice with respect to the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Program. 

Crown of Thorns Starfish Program Update

• Decision MPA 278 (2023-278-04 on 27/04/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that the Reef Authority is preparing a Request for Tender to procure Crown-of-Thorns Starfish control vessel services from July 2024 to June 2030.
• NOTED that the Reef Authority is preparing a coral protection outcomes scientific paper based on the results of the COTS control work since 2012. The paper will be co-authored by all COTS Control

Program partners

• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Mr Mark Cridland
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Professor Emma Johnston
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Ms Robbie Sefton
   

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 277th meeting in Townsville on 21 - 22 February 2023.

The meeting provided Board members an opportunity to discuss and provide advice with respect to the Reef Authority’s approach to Strategic Planning, Reef Authority Communication Strategy Implementation together with an update on the 2024 Outlook Report Project, Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreements (TUMRA) and the Local Marine Advisory Committees (LMAC’s). 

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 277 (2023-277-01i on 21/02/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee and Tourism Reef Advisory Committee out-of-session virtual meetings were held in February 2023. 
• NOTED that the IRAC Chairperson, Malcolm Mann, has confirmed he will stay on as Chairperson until the end of the term in June 2023 but will not reapply.
• NOTED that the unsuccessful applicant for the IRAC committee was notified.
• NOTED that the IRAC sponsoring Director is working with the Secretariat on an approach to seeking new committee members, which will include a Chair mid-year.  Given the most recent broadscale recruitment did not yield suitable candidates, the future approach will be more targeted.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Reef Authority Communication Strategy Implementation

• Decision MPA 277 (2023-277-07 on 22/02/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that the Reef Authority would release the new Reef Authority program brand in 2023 and amplify the #SeeLoveProtect the Reef campaign as key activities under its corporate communications strategy 2021-24.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) Program Update

• Decision MPA 277 (2023-277-08 on 22/02/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the Local Marine Advisory Committees have provided advice to the Reef Authority on various Marine Park management matters and that the LMAC network provided an excellent conduit to Reef-dependent industries and community.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Reef Health Update

• Decision MPA 277 (2023-277-09 on 22/02/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the current and predicted conditions on the Reef this summer.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 
• Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement 
• Decision MPA 277 (2023-277-10 on 22/02/2023): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Program update.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Mr Mark Cridland
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Professor Emma Johnston
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Ms Robbie Sefton

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 276th meeting in Townsville on 12 - 13 December 2023.

The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to discuss and provide advice with respect of the Reef Authority’s approach to preparations for the 2022-2023 summer, Performance Measures for 2023-2024, Policy and Planning definitions together with the Management Assessment of the Queensland Coral Fisheries.

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-01i on 12/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that the IRAC was scheduled to meet with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) before the end of the 2022 calendar year to workshop the Marine Charging Restructure; however, due to the availability of members, this workshop has been postponed to early 2023.
• NOTED that the Secretariat will seek the availability of Reef Advisory Committee members to meet during 2023 whilst ensuring good alignment with the Board’s Calendar.
• NOTED a letter of thanks and exit interview would be undertaken with the outgoing IRAC Chair. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Preparations for the 2022-23 Summer

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-04 on 12/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• DISCUSSED the Reef Authority’s approach to coordinating the understanding and communication of Reef health this summer.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Performance Measures

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-06 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED a presentation by KPMG at MPA276 on the performance measures.
• DISCUSSED the draft performance measures.
• NOTED the draft measures would be circulated to the Board for further comment, and the final measures would be reviewed by the Board. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Traditional Owner Strategy to Include Principles and Co-Management Overview

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-07 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• APPROVED the co-management vision and principles as policy under s 7(4) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975  and
• NOTED the principles cover only co-management. They are consistent with the continuum towards co-governance.
• NOTED the broader Traditional Owner Activities with the Authority.
• NOTED advancing co-management helps to address Strategic Risk 4.
• NOTED that these principles will be embedded into a co-management policy platform.
• NOTED that these principles will be communicated both internally and externally.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Policy Definitions

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-09 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• APPROVED that the policy and plan definitions regarding Marine Park management are:
• i.    To be published as a policy under section 7 (4)(a) of the Great Barrier Reef Park Act 1975 (Cth) (‘Marine Park Act’); and
• ii.    For immediate application.
• REVOKED the part of MPA 2018-251-04 decision, Recommendation 1 (a)) that refers to policy definition.
• APPROVED the process for policy development.
• NOTED that the policy and plan definitions form part of a broader body of work, specifically the development of a policy-making manual (relevant to section 7(4) of the Marine Park Act) and the policy rationalisation project.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Coral Fishery

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-11 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the most recent information on the Queensland Coral Fishery.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 
• Reef Guardian Schools – Future Expansion and 20-Year Celebration Plans
• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-12 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED that the Reef Authority is celebrating 20 years of the Reef Guardian Schools program in 2023.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Conferral of State Powers on Reef Authority Inspectors (Assistance to Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services)

• Decision MPA 276 (2022-276-13 on 13/12/2022): The Reef Authority: 
• NOTED the rationale for the conferral of certain State powers on Reef Authority employees appointed as inspectors.
• NOTED the request from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) for assistance pursuant to s7A(1) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth) (the Act).
• APPROVED and signed the proposed delegation of the Board’s powers and functions to Reef Authority employees to provide the requested assistance to QPWS.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Professor Emma Johnston AO
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Ms Robbie Sefton
• Mr Mark Cridland

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 275th meeting virtually on 19 October 2022.

The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to discuss and provide advice in respect of the performance measures of the 2023-2024 Corporate Plan, Great Barrier Reef Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy (updated Blueprint), Environmental Management Charge together with the policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Articla Reefs. 

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 275 (2022-275-01i on 19/10/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the communique from the 17th meeting of the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) (Attachment A) held virtually on 9-10 June 2022.
• NOTED the communique from the 18th meeting of the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) (Attachment B) held virtually on 6 September 2022.
• NOTED the communique from the 18th meeting of the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) (Attachment C) held virtually on 8 September 2022.
• NOTED that the IRAC will meet with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) before the end of the 2022 calendar year to workshop the Marine Charging Restructure.
• NOTED that the Secretariat will seek the availability of Reef Advisory Committee members to meet during 2023 whilst ensuring good alignment with the Board’s Calendar.
• AGREED a response to the committees from the Board was needed prior to the next Board meeting.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 
• Reef Guadian Councils Climate Change Initiatives Snapshot
• Decision MPA 275 (2022-275-08 on 19/10/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the Reef Guardian Council's Climate Change Initiatives Snapshot.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 
• Review of Performance Measures and Corporate Plan 2023-24
• Decision MPA 275 (2022-275-04 on 19/10/2022): The Authority: 
• APPROVED the proposed process and timeline for developing performance measures for 2023-24 (Attachment A).
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs

• Decision MPA 275 (2022-275-07 on 19/10/2022): The Authority: 
• APPROVED the release of the draft Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) and artificial reefs policy for at least three months of public consultation.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Members of the Authority

• Dr Ian Poiner [Chairperson]
• Mr Josh Thomas [Chief Executive Officer]
• Professor Emma Johnston AO
• Ms Wendy Morris
• Mr Duane Fraser
• Ms Robbie Sefton
• Mr Mark Cridland