Facilities (also known as structures) provide a range of different services to commercial operators, recreational users, members of the public, tourists, tourism operators, government agencies, resorts and researchers.
Operation of a facility includes building, assembling, fixing in position, maintaining or demolishing the facility and may including discharging waste from the facility. Under the Zoning Plan, permission is required to operate a facility in all zones and the purpose of use and entry must meet the objectives of the specific zone in which the facility is proposed. Facilities must also be consistent with plans of management and/or site management arrangements if applicable.
See the application checklist to understand what information is required at the time of submitting an application for facility permissions.
Inspections and maintenance for facilities including moorings
There are different minimum inspection requirements depending on the type of facility you are permitted to operate. If you hold permission to operate a facility including mooring facilities, compliance certificates or inspection reports are generally required.
Many facility maintenance activities including mooring works will require the permit holder to submit a schedule of works for approval prior to any maintenance activities taking place. It is a requirement to notify the Reef Authority and/or DESI 20 business days prior to any mooring works being conducted. A template for a mooring schedule of works can be downloaded from our website.
Works must be undertaken in line with permit conditions and mooring policy, this may require written approval form the managing agencies prior to works being undertaken.
For more information about inspection and maintenance requirements including documentation, frequency, who can complete the inspection, schedule of works see ‘Conditions of your permit’ section of the guide for current permit holders.
Permitted locations
In order to achieve the objectives of the Remote Natural Area, the Authority will not grant any permission or otherwise provide for the installation of a facility other than a vessel mooring or navigational aid, within this area. See the Location-specific assessment guidelines for more information.
Further information on the most common type of structures are listed below.
There are two types of moorings in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; public moorings and privately owned moorings.
Privately owned moorings require permission from the managing agencies.
The Policy on Moorings in the Great Barrier Reef provides guidance on the management of private vessel moorings in the Marine Park, including outlining inspection requirements and the requirement for an ‘appropriately experienced person’ to inspect / maintain moorings.
See the application checklist: facility permission to understand what information is required at the time of submitting an application to operate a mooring, for a new mooring this does include the requirement to provide a schematic or design drawing(s) - with a statement from an appropriately experienced person confirming that the mooring can be designed and installed in accordance with the Reef Authority requirements and relevant Australian standards.
Moorings in the Queensland Coast Waters
Moorings located in Queensland Coastal Waters require a buoy mooring authority from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). Queensland Coastal Waters is generally defined by a line three nautical miles seaward of coastline or islands.
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to obtain a buoy mooring authority from MSQ if in Queensland Coastal Waters.
Generally, it is recommended to contact MSQ to obtain in principle approval for any proposed mooring and location, prior to submitting an application to the Reef Authority as moorings must be installed within 30 days from approval by MSQ.
Pontoons, jetties, marinas, walkways and ferry terminals provide a point for passengers to embark and disembark vessels safely. Boat ramps provide a launching and landing platform for vessels.
Any of these types of facilities will require a permission from the managing agencies. It is recommended that you contact the Reef Authority, to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application.
The Pontoon activity impact assessment guideline provide specific guidance on the installation and operation of tourist and heli-pontoons in the Marine Park, including assessment considerations, post permit requirements and inspection and maintenance requirements.
See the Reef Authority’s policy Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs.
Where a facility is a reef intervention in line with the Policy on Great Barrier Reef interventions the interventions policy prevails. Any allowable facilities will require a permission from the managing agencies. It is recommended that you contact the Reef Authority, to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application.
Placement of an artificial reef also requires a permit under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act).
Any proposals for artificial reefs and/or FADs should be discussed with the managing agencies.
Breakwaters, seawalls and rock groynes provide protection to coastal areas and maritime facilities from wave action, longshore drift, erosion and sedimentation.
Any of these types of facilities will require a permission from the managing agencies. It is recommended that you contact the Reef Authority, to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application.
Electricity, telecommunication cables and potable water pipelines provide critical services to islands. Sewage outfall pipelines and desalination intake / outfall pipelines supply water for desalination and provide a discharge point for brine or treated wastewater. Fuel pipelines – generally attached to jetties, provide a vessel refueling point or supply fuel from vessels to islands for use in generators or equipment.
Any of these types of facilities will require a permission from the managing agencies. It is recommended that you contact the Reef Authority, to discuss your proposal prior to submitting an application.