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 29 October 2018, Dr Poiner was appointed as the part-time Chairperson of the Authority Board for a term of four years and six months. 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 15 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, 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.

As Deputy Director-General, Policy, Mark is responsible for leading the Economic, Social, and Environment Policy teams, and the Intergovernmental Relations and the Office for Rural and Regional Queensland teams. Mark leads and enables the provision of high-level strategic policy advice for the Premier and Cabinet. Mark also supports the Premier’s participation on National Cabinet and as Chair of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee.

Mark is Chair of the Queensland Investment Panel that provides oversight of the $1.2 billion investment incentive and industry development programs.  Mark is on the Board of Economic Development Queensland. He is a member of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee and Australia’s First Ministers’ Deputies Group.

Mark is a highly experienced senior executive with over 30 years of proven leadership and delivery in large and complex government and private sector organisations.

Between 2013 and May 2018, Mark was a senior director  and account leader with KPMG Australia where he led significant engagements across Australia covering infrastructure, economic evaluation, governance, performance frameworks and national reforms.

For the decade prior to 2013 Mark held numerous senior executive roles in Queensland and New South Wales governments. This included Deputy Director-General (Policy, Planning and Investment) in the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads between 2009 and 2013.

Mark has a passion and commitment to public service. He believes in the role it can play in positively influencing outcomes for all Queenslanders.

Overview

The Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 273rd   meeting in Canberra on 23-24 August 2022.

The meeting provided Board members an opportunity to discuss and provide advice in respect of the Reef Authority’sTraditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement Program, New Funding Policy Planning Roadmap, Annual Report and Marine Park Charging Structure Review. 

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 274 (2022-274-01i on 23/08/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) is scheduled to meet on 6 September 2022 and NOTED the IRAC Agenda.
• NOTED the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) is scheduled to meet on 8 September 2022 and NOTED the TRAC Agenda.
• NOTED that due to increased cases of COVID nationally, the joint meeting between the IRAC and TRAC scheduled to be held in Townsville on 7 September 2022 has been postponed to February 2023. 
• NOTED the communique from IRAC 17 held on 9-10 June 2022 will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
• NOTED the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) is currently considering the location, skills and experience we are seeking for two vacant IRAC positions.
• NOTED committee dates would be provided to members to help ensure a Board member attends each meeting and to encourage all Board members to attend some IRAC and TRAC meetings.  
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements Program

• Decision MPA 274 (2022-274-05 on 23/08/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the TUMRA and Sea Country Values Mapping programs are the benchmark Sea Country management programs of choice for Reef Traditional Owners.
• NOTED that the TUMRA and Sea Country Values Mapping programs remain a high priority for the Reef Authority with staffing and funding for contracts with Traditional Owners increased to support growth and continued interest.
• NOTED that the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee has provided advice to the Reef Authority that the TUMRA and Sea Country Values programs are a priority partnership, and it recommends strengthening both.
• NOTED that to effectively support the enhanced TUMRA and Sea Country Values Mapping programs, a new TUMRA section has been established.  
• REQUESTED information on how to provide more independence for TUMRA expenditure of funds against the contract, including remuneration of participants for a future Board meeting. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

New Funding Planning Policy Roadmap

• Decision MPA 274 (2022-274-06 on 23/08/2022): The Authority: 
• DISCUSSED the proposed forward plan for the new funding to accelerate the implementation of the Policy and Planning Strategic Roadmap.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Annual Report

• Decision MPA 274 (2022-274-07 on 23/08/2022): The Authority: 
• ENDORSED, in principle, the draft Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Annual Report 2021-22 (Attachment A) with comments due by close of business Thursday 25 August 2022, noting that Part 5 (Finances) will be circulated to the Board for information in September.
• NOTED the Chief Executive Officer, as the accountable authority, will approve any minor edits to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Annual Report 2021-22 (Attachment A) before submission to the Minister for the Environment and Water, and for publication
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Board Members

• 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 273rd   meeting virtually on 22 June 2022. The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to review, discuss and provide feedback on the Reef Authority’s Corporate Plan, Policy & Planning Strategic Roadmap as well as receive an update in respect of the Douglas Shoal Remediation.

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 272 (2022-273-01i on 22/06/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the following update on Reef Advisory Committees (RAC).
• NOTED the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee meeting on 30-31 May 2022 for an out-of-session Workshop to assist in the progression of the Charging Structure Review.
• NOTED the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) held its 17th meeting in Townsville on Thursday 9 June 2022 and Friday 10 June 2022.  The communique from the IRAC17 will be provided to members as soon as it becomes available. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

Corporate Plan

• Decision MPA 273 (2022-273-03 on 22/06/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED that given the situation of a potential new government, the Reef Authority will NOTED the process undertaken to develop the 2022-23 Corporate Plan. 
• APPROVED the pre-design, text-based 2022-23 Corporate Plan for Accountable Authority sign-off. 
• DELEGATED approval of amendments based on Board advice, and final designed version of the 2022-23 Corporate Plan, to the Accountable Authority. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Policy & Planning Roadmap

• Decision MPA 273 (2022-273-04 on 22/06/2022): The Authority: 
• DISCUSSED the update provided on the implementation of the Policy and Planning Strategic Roadmap and provide advice on a refreshed Roadmap. 
• 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 272nd  meeting in Cairns on 3-4 May 2022. The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to meet with the Reef Authority’s Cairns-based staff as well as partake in a working lunch with Mr Owen Witt from the Reef Authority’s Gladstone office where members were provided with a compelling presentation on the fieldwork being conducted from the Reef Authority’s regional locations.

Whilst in Cairns the Board took the opportunity to meet a number of Reef stakeholders including Traditional Owners, Tourism and Environmental representatives as well as local politicians including the Hon Warren Entsch, Special Envoy to the Great Barrier Reef.  

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 272 (2022-272-01i on 03/05/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the following update on Reef Advisory Committees (RAC).
• NOTED the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) met virtually on Tuesday 22 February 2022 and the communique from the 16th meeting of the IRAC is provided at Attachment A to this paper. 
• NOTED the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) met on Thursday 24 February 2022 and the communique from the 17th meeting of the TRAC is provided in Attachment B to this paper. 
• NOTED the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) and Tourism Reef Advisory Committee met with the Reactive Monitoring Mission on Sunday, 27 March 2022. 
• AGREED that the Chair and Mr Fraser discuss the agenda and format for the IRAC17 meeting in June with the IRAC Chair. 
• AGREED that a Board member will attend each meeting and the Secretariat will call out to the board for availability.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information

Management of No-Anchoring Areas

• Decision MPA 272 (2022-272-04 on 03/05/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED that given the situation of a potential new government, the Reef Authority will ensure that a new minister is appropriately briefed in a timely manner. 
• NOTED the Minister’s undertaking to change the management of no-anchoring areas under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019.
• APPROVED, in-principle, for amendments to be prepared to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 2019 to enable no-anchoring areas to be declared through legislative instruments (effectively Regulations) as per the Minister’s undertaking. 
• DELEGATED to the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to section 47(1)(aa) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the power under section 7(1)(a)(ii) of the Act to recommend to the Minister the making of the Regulations amendments developed in accordance with this paper. 
• 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 271st meeting in Townsville on 1-2 March 2022. The meeting provided the Reef Authority with a great opportunity to provide a proper in-person welcome to Board member Ms Robbie Sefton.

COVID restrictions have seen the Board meeting held virtually since early 2020 and members were glad to have the opportunity to be together for this meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity for Mr Ian Rodin, Chairperson of the Reef Authority’s Audit Committee to attend virtually and provide members with an overview of the 2021 Annual Audit Committee’s Report.

The meeting also provided Board members with the opportunity to discuss the Blueprint, Reef Knowledge System, Policy Rationalisation, Extension of waiver for reasonable use requirements, Crown-of-thorns control program, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy as well as receive an update on the Summer Reef Health. 

Reef Advisory Committees 

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-01i on 01/03/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the following update on Reef Advisory Committees (RAC).
• NOTED the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee (IRAC) met on Tuesday 22 February 2022 and that the communique from the 16th meeting of the IRAC will be provided to members as soon as it becomes available. 
• NOTED the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) met on Thursday 24 February 2022 and that the communique from the 17th meeting of the TRAC will be provided to members as soon as it becomes available. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

Reef Advisory Committees – Extension of Membership

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-01i.01on 01/03/2022): The Authority: 
• NOTED the following information in respect of Reef Advisory Committees (RAC).
• APPROVED the recruitment of a new member to the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee IRAC) noting the need for gender diversity on the Committee.
• NOTED that the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) will reach out to Mr Tabo Jnr in respect of fulfilling his responsibilities as an IRAC member.  
• APPROVED the extension of the current RAC memberships for an additional 12 months.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information. 

 
Briefing on Reef Knowledge Systems Updates (RIMReP)

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-10 on 01/03/2023): The Authority: 
• NOTED the presentation of the Reef Knowledge System and updates; and
• DISCUSSED future enhancements of the Reef Knowledge System. 
• AGREED that an update on the will be provided to the Board for feedback at the MPA274 meeting.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

Policy Rationalisation 

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-06 on 02/03/2023): The Authority: 
• NOTED that review of Authority-produced material has identified over 100 primary Marine Park Management policies (which include over 900 subordinate, nested documents).  
• NOTED that analysis to date of the identified primary Marine Park management policies confirms that 39 Marine Park management policies (Attachment A, Table A-1) and five Board policy decisions (Table A-2) remain as current section 7(4) policies (as per the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (the Marine Park Act) and MPA decision 2018-251-4).
• APPROVED the revocation of 11 Marine Park management policies (Attachment B) and two Board policy decisions (Attachment C, Table C-1) as well as five Board decisions (Table C-2) that have been superseded but not revoked. 
• APPROVED as part of the Authority’s policy governance process, that where the Authority decides to supersede (including replace) a policy made under section 7(4) of the Marine Park Act, and pursuant to the MPA decision 2018-251-4, the policy and any related decision is taken to be revoked, unless expressly stated otherwise. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

Extension of waiver for reasonable use requirements 

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-07 on 02/03/2023): The Authority: 
• APPROVED that the current suspension of the reasonable use latency provision (clause 16) in the Managing Tourism Permissions to Operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Policy is extended to 30 June 2023. 
• APPROVED that any reasonable use assessments (including those post 30 June 2023) will not include the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023, unless in accordance with recommendation (c).
• APPROVED that the permit delegate may, if it is of benefit to the permit holder, consider any days of operation from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023 in any reasonable use assessment. 
• APPROVED these recommendations under section 7(4) of the Marine Park Act, and supersede and revoke previous decisions on this matter. 
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.

 
Crown-of-thorns starfish control program – Outcomes and priority reefs 

• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-08 on 02/03/2023): The Authority: 
• DISCUSSED the update on current COTS control and the long-term commitment to the Program under the recently announced Great Barrier Reef funding package.
• AGREED that an update will be provided to the Board next year about how to manage the transition to the next stage of the program.
• CONFIRMED there is no objection to the publication of the information.
• ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HERITAGE STRATEGY
• Decision MPA 271 (2022-271-09 on 02/03/2023): The Authority: 
• NOTED status of implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy and expansion of the TUMRA program. 
• AGREED that the Reef Authority will present an update to the MPA 272 meeting on the small grants process.
• NOTED the expansion of Traditional Use of Marine Use Resource Agreements
• AGREED that the Reef Authority will present an update on the progress of the TUMRA co-management options.
• AGREED that the Reef Authority will provide clarification to the Board at the MPA272 meeting on decisions made to remove actions in the attachment list.
• 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

Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions in force across Australia, the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 270th Board meeting virtually on 30 November 2021 – 1 December 2021. 

The meeting provided Board members with an opportunity to discuss the upcoming joint meeting of the Reef Authority’s Reef Advisory Committees scheduled to be held in February 2022.

The Board provided advice on the development of the 2022-23 Portfolio Budget Statement and the updated strategic risk register. Board members discussed the Reef Joint Field Management Program Business Strategy 2021 noting the Annual Report Summary 2020-2021 for the Program is currently being finalised by the Field Management Strategy Group. Board members received presentations from Professor Helene Marsh and Dr David Wachenfeld on the current risks presented by fisheries within the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Advisory Committees Joint Meeting

• Decision MPA 270 (2021-270-03 on 30/11/2021): The Authority: 
• APPROVED a joint meeting of the IRAC and TRAC.
• DISCUSSED and provided ADVICE on any potential agenda items for the joint meeting of the IRAC and TRAC.
• CONFIRMS there is no objection to the publication of the decision.

2022-23 Portfolio Budget Statements

• Decision MPA 270 (2021-270-05 on 30/11/2021): The Authority: 
• PROVIDED ADVICE on key points to be highlighted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) Portfolio Budget Statement (PBS) strategic direction statement.
• PROVIDED ADVICE on whether the current performance information contained within the Reef Authority’s PBS performance information aligns with the purpose of the Reef Authority and the strategic results.
• CONFIRMS there is no objection to the publication of the decision.

Novel and Potentially Irreversible Intervention Research

• Decision MPA 270 (2021-270-08 on 01/12/2021): The Authority: 
• NOTED the proposed measures to assist assessment of novel and potentially irreversible research applications considered high or very high risk under the Great Barrier Reef Interventions Policy.
• NOTED the Great Barrier Reef Interventions Policy does not support the approval of interventions identified as high risk without an initial small-scale pilot study with control (ecosystem reference) sites in the Great Barrier Reef and further risk mitigation and contingency measures that have proven effective in the pilot study.
• NOTED the Great Barrier Reef Interventions Policy does not support the approval of interventions identified as very high risk until significant risk mitigation efforts reduce the risk to acceptable levels (i.e. reduced to high risk with mitigation) given they may cause significant irreversible damage to the values of the Marine Park.
• NOTED the Reef Authority has received Reef interventions permit applications that, based on available information, would be considered high or very high risk and it will be challenging to reduce the risk to acceptable levels that would support approval of these interventions at this time.
• CONFIRMS there is no objection to the publication of the decision.

• 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

Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions in force across Australia, the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) held its 269th Board meeting virtually on 19-20 October 2021.

The newly appointed Queensland member, Mr Mark Cridland, was welcomed by all members to his first Board meeting. 

The Board discussed its own governance and performance, following a self-assessment and review of current delegations held by Board members.

The Board also met with the Chairpersons of the Reef Advisory Committees, as well as approved the Commonwealth Heritage Strategy 2022-2025.

The Board was provided with a summarised analysis of Marine Park Plans of Management, and an overview of early work to modernise these plans over time.

Commonwealth Heritage Strategy 

• Decision MPA 269 (2021-269-07 on 20/10/2021): The Authority: 
• APPROVED the Commonwealth Heritage Strategy 2022-2025.
• 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