Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party, Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all members for their contributions to the debate on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment Bill 2017. The bill will prevent plans of management from being revoked if regulations giving effect to these plans are repealed. In particular, where regulations are repealed due to the sunset process, the bill will ensure this does not trigger an automatic revocation of corresponding plans of management. Plans of management are a key environmental management tool to ensure that activities within the Great Barrier Reef are managed on the basis of ecologically sustainable use.

Now, while the amendments made by the bill are small and technical, I appreciate the crucial role these amendments will have in ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef continues to be protected and conserved by the protective measures in the plans of management. The government is committed to ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's greatest natural treasures, is protected for the future. This bill will support the continuing protection of this World Heritage area. I commend the bill to the House.

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