The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is inviting public comment on the North-East Shipping Management Plan (NESMP), draft guidelines developed to ensure the protection of Australia’s north-east marine environment and improve shipping safety. 

AMSA, the Australian government agency with prime responsibility for the safety of shipping in Australian waters and for the protection of the marine environment from ship-sourced pollution, drafted the plan in consultation with a range of government agencies.

The plan sets out the Australian Government’s intentions to enhance ship safety in the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Coral Sea regions and is open for public comment until Thursday, 4 October 2013.

It includes proposed actions in the areas of ship and navigation safety, protective measures - preparedness and response, and environment protection, including pollution and discharges, offshore ship anchorages in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) World Heritage Area, and further research into cumulative impacts from shipping in the GBR.

Protection of the reef was a hotly debated pre-Federal election topic, with The Guardian reporting on September 4 that the Queensland Tourism Industry Council had concerns for the reef over the growth of coal ports and increased chemical run-off, and was urging the Coalition not to be swayed by mining lobbyists.  

To provide comment on the report, complete the 'Invitation to Comment' form available here, and submit to:

Email: NESMP@amsa.gov.au 

Post: ?Australian Maritime Safety Authority ?NESMP Consultation?, GPO Box 2181,?Canberra ACT 2601

For more information, visit http://www.amsa.gov.au/community/consultation/nesm-consultation.asp.