Using Regulation to Tackle the Challenge of Diffuse Water Pollution and its Impact on the Great Barrier Reef

Diffuse water pollution poses a significant threat to water quality globally. Challenges associated with managing and regulating diffuse water pollution stem from difficulties in measurement and attribution of pollution �emissions�, as well as the cumulative nature of diffuse water pollution. The introduction of Queensland�s Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Act 2009 provides a timely opportunity to explore challenges associated with managing and regulating diffuse water pollution from agriculture, using the Great Barrier Reef as a case study. This article, which is presented in two parts (sections II and III), outlines the nature of diffuse water pollution; potential management and regulatory options; and existing policy, management and legislative frameworks that exist at Commonwealth and Queensland State government levels relevant to managing Great Barrier Reef water quality. In section III, the article undertakes a detailed analysis of Queensland�s Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Act 2009, including an assessment of the likely effectiveness of this legislation; challenges associated with the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of measures taken under this new legislation; and its significance and role in the context of other relevant Commonwealth and Queensland government responsibilities, legislation and policies.