CONSERVATION

GKI Revitalisation Plan will incorporate a range of conservation initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing the World Heritage Values of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

Environmental Protection Areas

A key feature of the proposed GKI Revitalisation Plan is the creation of Environmental Protection Areas covering approximately 545 hectares on Lot 21 (some 62%). The establishment of the Environmental Protection Areas will be in collaboration with the key government agencies and conservation groups to ensure that the quality of the valuable natural environment is protected.

Part of these areas will have restricted dedicated access only, for the purpose of maintenance and monitoring, in order to protect the values listed by Minister Garrett in his Statement of Reasons (October 2009). Where it is permissible to allow access to visitors, marked walking tracks, compost toilets and picnic facilities will be provided. Visitors and employees on the Island will be educated on the importance of protecting the Island’s floral and fauna values, including instructions to stay on marked and designated tracks, to dispose of all rubbish appropriately and to avoid smoking in the Environmental Protection Areas to assist with control of bushfire risks.

The Environmental Protection Areas will provide for appropriate rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance and management and protection of culturally significant sites, management and care of wildlife, an active pest and weed management program and appropriate bushfire protection.