Superyachts lobby for access, changed rules on Barrier Reef
by Des Ryan on 3 Sep 2012
That wonderful natural wonder of the world known as the Great Barrier Reef - superyachts lobby for more access. John Curnow
Superyacht Australia has declared that their main task is providing 'superyachts with a possibility to cruise in the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.'
Superyacht Australia CEO, MaryAnne Edwards, this week stated 'Superyacht Australia has made huge inroads to ensuring they are acknowledged as a key stakeholder that has an interest in the Great Barrier Reef'.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority is conducting a strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the nearby coastal zone. The strategic assessment is an overall assessment of the effectiveness of management arrangements to protect the environmental values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The goal is to ensure the World heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef are protected while creating a long term plan for sustainable development in the region.
Superyacht Australia will have a representative at the strategic assessment workshops to ensure the voice of the superyacht sector is heard.
The Great Barrier Reef continues to be a major attraction and an iconic destination for visiting superyachts. Currently Superyacht Australia is working with industry to 'further develop cruising itineraries for the Great Barrier Reef that meets the needs of visiting superyachts.'
Superyacht Australia has in the past been frustrated by its efforts to review the Plan of Management on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) agenda.
Two issues they wanted resolved was the treating of all superyachts the same, whether they are privately operated or in charter, and of expanding the locations, particularly around the Cairns area, where they are permitted to sail.
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