Analysis of an Environmental Policy Context

This document provides an analysis of an environmental policy context, focusing on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act. It discusses the impacts of environmental policies on areas such as water, land, and food, and highlights the need for sustainable development and pollution control. The document also explores the challenges faced in managing the Great Barrier Reef and the various programs and initiatives aimed at its protection.

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ANALYSIS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY CONTEXT
Your Name
Date

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Environmental Policy analysis
Environmental policies are introduced at the national level and detail their consequences
in relation to areas such as water, land, and food. The objective of every environmental policy is
to promote sustainable development and control pollution. Environmental policies have far-
reaching impacts on the environment. It is a fundamental requirement to understand the social
and geographical structure of the area before creating environmental policy. As a policy analyst
for an organization, I have been assigned an environmental issue of the agricultural runoff and
the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and make a background analysis of the environmental policy,
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a diverse ecosystem that is located on along the
northeast coast of Australia and extends for more than 2,300 km1. The diversity of GBR
encompasses 2,000 sponge species, 620 fish species, 410 hard coral species, 14 sea snakes
species, 300 mollusk species, 500 marine alga species, 630 echinoderm species and seven
species of marine turtle. It was concluded that many communities of coral reef are tolerant of
sediment and turbidity. Recent geological and palaeoecological data from the GBR suggests that
the equilibrium between sedimentation and resuspension of the deposit impacts the reef growth.
What is more favorable for coral reef initiation and distribution are low sediment deposition
rates2. Improvement in agricultural practices can prevent the chemicals flowing onto the reef3.
The farmers need to make fundamental changes in their agricultural and land use practices.
1 Richards, Zoe T., and Jon C. Day. “Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef?” PeerJ. 2.
2 Browne, N.K., S.G. Smithers, and C.T. Perry. “Coral Reefs of the Turbid Inner-Shelf” Earth-
Science Reviews16 (2012): 1–20.
3 Goldberg, Jeremy A., Nadine A. Marshall, Alastair Birtles, Peter Case, Matthew I. Curnock,
and Georgina G. Gurney. “On the Relationship between Attitudes and Environmental
Behaviors” Ecology & Society 175.

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50% of the live coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef has already been lost and
documented for over the last 30 years. The most significant challenges for GBR management
include anthropogenic threats such as climate change, coral-eating starfish and poor water
quality4. The Great Barrier Reef must be protected and managed for current and future
generations. Every year, about $200 million is spent by the Australian and Queensland
governments on the protection of the reef5.
The Australian government is working hard to manage the Great Barrier Reef and control
pollution. The Great Barrier Reef Committee and the Royal Society of London performed the
first comprehensive assessment of the GBR in 19286. The Australian Labor Party and the
Liberal Party of Australia are the two major Australian political parties who have contributed to
the climate policies7. These policies have varied significantly over the years. The unpredictable
nature of Australian climate policy can be attributed to the nature of the political party in power.
Several plans and programs are run for the safety and protection of the Great Barrier Reef such
as Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, The Reef Trust, Great Barrier Reef Gully, and
Streambank Joint Program8. Reef Trust worth over $700 million remains committed to improve
quality of water, restore health of coastal ecosystem and protect the species in the Great Barrier
Reef. Great Barrier Reef Gully and Streambank Joint Program places its focus on sediment run-
off and control the erosion. Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan designs a framework to
safeguard the Reef in both short term and long term.
4 Goldberg, 175.
5 Australian Government. “Managing and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.” Department of
environment and energy (March 2019) https://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/protecting-the-
reef
6 Browne, N.K., S.G. Smithers, and C.T. Perry ,2.
7 Anita Talberg, Simeon Hui and Kate Loynes. “Australian climate change policy”, Parliament
of Australia 1
8 Australian Government.

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History of the policy issue
Origins
Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Act and the Great
Barrier, Reef Marine Park
Authority, were founded in
1975 for protection of Barrier
Reef.9
Local and regional
communities and
stakeholders contributed to
the expansion and
implementation of the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park Zoning Plan 2003
consolidates the Marine Park
zoning and increases the level
of protection.
Key Decisions
The Act recognized the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority to work on behalf
of the Australian Government
to control and care for the
marine park in the Great
Barrier Reef Region.
11 Local Marine Advisory
Committees (LMACs) were
founded in coastal centers
between 1999 and 2005 to
involve the local communities
in the conservation of the
Marine Park and its
2003 Zoning plans for the
Marine Park carried objective
for the conservation of the
Great Barrier Reef, protect
the Marine Park, reduce
exploitation of Great Barrier
Reef Region and reserve
9 Australian Government Review Panel Report. “Review of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Act 1975.”
https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/f4177555-a0a6-44c4-94a4-
bfd5e43e468d/files/gbr-marine-park-act.pdf

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management. some areas for tourism and
preserve some areas in their
natural state for scientific
research.
Influential Factors
The governance framework
of the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority has
evolved and been impacted
by the Emerald Agreement,
Great Barrier Reef Ministerial
Council, Commonwealth
Authorities and Companies
Act 1997 and the
Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation
Act 199910.
2003 Zoning Plan faced
short-term adjustment
pressures as most
stakeholders complained
about biased process and
approach and disagreed with
the scientific basis of the
Zoning Plan.
Identification of the key issues at the center
10 Australian Government Review Panel Report.

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A report by six natural resources management suggests that it will cost hundreds of
millions to enhance the water quality on the Great Barrier Reef in the coming years. All Great
Barrier Reef stakeholders have been warned that the present funding by state and federal
government is insufficient to defend the reef11. The funding is needed to improve water quality,
deal with chemical pollutants, stormwater management and for education programs. The long-
term sustainability plan aims for 90% of agricultural land under best practices and a 60%
reduction in pesticides. Tensions have developed over the last few years over the use of the
Marine Park for commercial and leisure activities12. It is challenging to uphold the long-term
maintenance of the Great Barrier Reef under the mounting pressures of climate change,
increasing population, coastal development, tourism and fishing over the last decade.
Identification of the stakeholders/actors
In the framework of climate change, stakeholders are usually divided into those who are
affected directly or indirectly by the climate change consequences and the decision-makers13.
The stakeholders can affect change, carry knowledge or skills, are affected by climate risk and
work in the interests of their community. Local and regional communities and stakeholders
contributed to the development and implementation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Stakeholders included the tourism industry, the scientific community, recreational and
commercial fishers and related businesses like shipping and maritime. The perceptions of some
key stakeholder groups were that the scientific evidence was not clear and not compelling14.
11 Oliver Milman. “More than $1.7bn Needed to Improve Water Quality on the Great Barrier
Reef; Further Government Funding Is Essential to Reduce Agricultural Runoff and Other
Pollutants Flowing into the Marine Park’s Waters, New Analysis Finds.” (Jan 2015)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/20/more-than-17bn-needed-to-improve-water-quality-on-
great-barrier-reef
12 Australian Government Review Panel Report.
13 Karin André, Louise Simonsson , Åsa Gerger Swartling & Björn-ola Linnér. “Method
Development for Identifying and Analysing Stakeholders in Climate Change” Journal of
Environmental Policy & Planning 245.
14 Australian Government Review Panel Report

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Recreational and commercial fishing stakeholders felt that their concerns were unheard and
many showed mistrusts in the authorities and their resource allocation decisions.
Characteristics of a wicked problem in the policy
Most of the time, the semimetal policies fail to deliver because of poor management,
weaker implementation, and lack of resources, and coordination. However, there are much more
complex problems and underlying reasons that can help to comprehend the complete scope of the
problem. Long-term political will and funding assurances are essential to address the different
insights of the involved stakeholders15. Effective adaptation and implementation of a policy or
program require strategic frameworks, systematic information, effective communication, and
technologies. Broader community support too is needed for a more sustainable climate change
response and behavioural changes. The Great Barrier Reef management occurs within a
multifaceted policy environment and national and State legislation and programs that intersect
with the regulation of the Marine Park. Australia’s Oceans Policy, fisheries management, coastal
development, customs, maritime safety, and energy. In the framework of climate change,
stakeholders are usually divided into those who are affected directly or indirectly by the climate
change consequences and the decision-makers. The stakeholders can affect change, carry
knowledge or skills, are affected by climate risk and work in the interests of their community.16.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 has accomplished its initial aim of setting
up the Marine Park and set up operational and institutional management. Australian and
Queensland governments work together collaboratively and demonstrate a strong commitment to
keeping the GBR in good condition. Seven zones with different restrictions have been
15 Brian W Head. “Evidence, uncertainty, and wicked problems.” Environment and Planning
C: Government and Policy 675.
16 Karin André, Louise Simonsson , Åsa Gerger Swartling & Björn-ola Linnér, 245.

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introduced, and the protected area has increased from 4 to 33 percent. Reef Report Card states
that average nitrogen load decreased by 10% between 2008 and 2013, due to government
initiatives17. The sediment load dropped by 11%, and the Pesticide load fell by 28%. Sugar cane
growers and graziers are adopting improved agricultural practices. The enormous size of the
Marine Park, the complicated legislative and policy setting plus the and the developing risks and
pressures continue to add challenges for the policy. Transparency and accountability when
engaging with stakeholders are essential for successful management approaches18.The diversity
of GBR marine life is being harmed and the conditions for marine life are worsening. Far more
funding, resources and time are required to reverse the damage. A decisive conservation action
by key stakeholders regarding protection of GBR biodiversity is urgently required. It is essential
for the stakeholders to understand the changing nature of the GBR and expand their
understanding of the species.. Enhanced community understanding, public awareness, and shared
learning among the community members, primary industries, and governments can lead to
positive results19. Innovative conservation partnerships and collaborative programs can work to
curb the ongoing degradation of GBR.
17 Oliver Milman.
18 Zoe and Day,15.
19 Goldberg, 175.

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Bibliography
Anita Talberg, Simeon Hui and Kate Loynes.. "Australian climate change policy to 2015: a chronology."
Parliament of Australia (2016):1-25.
Browne, N.K., S.G. Smithers, and C.T. Perry. "Coral Reefs of the Turbid Inner-Shelf of the Great Barrier
Reef, Australia: An Environmental and Geomorphic Perspective on Their Occurrence,
Composition and Growth." Earth-Science Reviews (2012):1-20.
Goldberg, Jeremy A., Nadine A. Marshall, Alastair Birtles, Peter Case, Matthew I. Curnock, and Georgina
G. Gurney. "On the Relationship between Attitudes and Environmental Behaviors of Key Great
Barrier Reef User Groups." Ecology & Society (2018):175–87.
Government, Australian. Review of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. (2006)Accessed April 3,
2019. https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/f4177555-a0a6-44c4-94a4-
bfd5e43e468d/files/gbr-marine-park-act.pdf.
Head, Brian W. "Evidence, uncertainty, and wicked problems in climate change decision making in
Australia." Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy (2014): 663 – 679.
Karin André, Louise Simonsson , Åsa Gerger Swartling & Björn-ola Linnér. "Method Development for
Identifying and Analysing Stakeholders in Climate ChangeAdaptation Processes." Journal of
Environmental Policy & Planning (2012):243-261.
Milman, Oliver. “More than $1.7bn Needed to Improve Water Quality on the Great Barrier Reef; Further
Government Funding Is Essential to Reduce Agricultural Runoff and Other Pollutants Flowing into
the Marine Park’s Waters, New Analysis Finds. (Jan 2015) Accessed april 3, 2019.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/20/more-than-17bn-needed-to-improve-
water-quality-on-great-barrier-reef.
Report, Australian Government Review Panel. Managing and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.”( 2019).
Accessed April 3, 2019. https://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/protecting-the-reef.
Richards, Zoe T., and Jon C. Day."Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef-How Adequately Is It Protected?"
PeerJ (2018): 175–87.

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