Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Intergovernmental relations

Abstract

This article examines intergovernmental relations between the Commonwealth of Australia and the state of Queensland in the planning and management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The genesis of intergovernmental relations is examined with special reference to increased interest in offshore resources from both levels of government. An analysis is undertaken of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the relevance of the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council, and the Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee and responses by the Queensland state government. Intergovernmental problems in the Great Barrier Reef region are presented and recommendations made for their improvement.