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> Status Report
> Chapter 5 - Environmental Laws applicable to Cleveland Bay
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Chapter 5 – Environmental laws and regulations applicable to Cleveland BayLaws regulating environmental issues in Australia have increased considerably during the past decade in unison with rapid urban and industrial development along the coastal zone. The rise in environmental legislation can be attributed to a growing recognition that environmental protection and conservation of natural resources is essential for sustainable economic and social development. Cleveland Bay, its coastline and Magnetic Island have significant environmental and natural resource values. Accordingly, there are a substantial number of environmental laws, policies and regulations applicable to the area (Table 5.1). A summary of the applicable legislation is contained within Appendix 1. As elsewhere in Australia, legislation relevant to Cleveland Bay and the wider Townsville-Thuringowa region is established and administered at Commonwealth, State and local government levels. The major responsibility for environmental planning matters rests with the State and local governments. The Commonwealth Government is the primary regulator of activities within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island and the waters of Cleveland Bay to the Low Water Mark are contained in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA), which was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1981 for its unique natural values. The Commonwealth, State and local governments all have a role in the regulation of environmental issues within the GBRWHA. The Townsville City Council, often in conjunction with State Government agencies, is the primary regulator for land-based development on Magnetic Island and the mainland adjacent to Cleveland Bay. A summary of environmentally relvant acticities and licenses in the Townsville region is presented in Appendix 2. Regulatory responsibility for Cleveland Bay itself is shared between the Townsville Port Authority (Appendix 3), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for the Commonwealth Government, and the Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for the Queensland Government.. Regulatory responsibilities and jurisdictions often overlap within Cleveland Bay and the adjacent coastal zone. The boundaries to jurisdictions and environmental regions are presented in Appendix 4. The overlap necessitates a number of approvals, licences or permits from regulators at all levels before a particular development or activity can proceed. This chapter of the State of Cleveland Bay Report aims to identify all major environmental legislation relevant to development activities in Cleveland Bay. |
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This page was last updated on Thursday 18 April 2002 |
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