jump to the content
Advanced search

State of Conservation (SOC)

Great Barrier Reef (2004)

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds
International Assistance granted to the property

Requests Approved: 0
Total Amount Ap proved: 0USD

Missions**
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
Corrective Measures
Current conservation issues

On 22 January 2004 the World Heritage Centre received a report from an NGO, Wildlife Whitsunday, concerning a proposed project at Airlie Beach adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The proposed development project encompasses; a floating marina, residential development, commercial precinct, and connection to sewerage to allow discharge of vessels. The report highlights the potential environmental impacts associated with extensive disturbance of seagrass and mangroves as well as changes in hydrology.

 

The report was transmitted to IUCN and the State Party. The Centre received the response from the State Party on 12 March 2004. The State Party indicates that the proposal is being considered by the Queensland State Government and the Commonwealth (Australian) Government. Conditions will be placed, if the project is approved by the Australian Government, to ensure that it has no significant impacts on the World Heritage integrity of the Great Barrier Reef. The State Party has also indicated that Wildlife Whitsunday has also been in contact with the Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage on this matter.

Conclusion
Decision

  • Adopted

  • Draft Decision

28COM15B.14
Link to the decision
The World Heritage Committee, 1. Acknowledges receipt of the State Party’s report with clarifications on the proposed development project at Airlie Beach adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property; 2. Requests that the State Party keep the World Heritage Centre and IUCN informed on the status of the proposed development project at Airlie Beach and the proposed measures to avoid any potential impact it may have on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property.

Draft Decision: 28 COM 15B.14

 The World Heritage Committee,

 1.   Acknowledges receipt of the State Party’s report with clarifications on the proposed development project at Airlie Beach adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property;

2.   Requests that the State Party keep the World Heritage Centre and IUCN informed on the status of the proposed development project at Airlie Beach and the proposed measures to avoid any potential impacts it may have on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property.

Great Barrier Reef
State Party:
Australia
Date of Inscription: 1981
Nomination records (Year): 1980
Category: Natural
Criteria: (vii)(viii)(ix)(x)
Exports
Word File
SOC Reports (year)
2012
2011
2004
1994
1986
1985
Threats*
  • Housing
  • Commercial development
  • Major visitor accommodation and associated infrastructure
  • Marine transport infrastructure
  • Other Threats:
Documents
WHC-04/28.COM/15B
Other Documents:
View inscribed site documents, nomination file, reports, decisions, ...
SOC ID: 1406

* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.