GBR Reef Tax Increase Protest:

In real terms, this will mean that each and every Dive and Snorkelling Tour operator will have to increase their prices by probably $10 AUD per person, per day. Given that they will take the opportunity to build in an inflationary increase as well, we can expect to see the price of diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef rise by $20-30 AUD per person per day just to cover costs!

While I realise that this tax has not been increased in a number of years, I feel that the increase is quite phenomenal?!? I can not see how such an increase can be born by the recreational diver and snorkeller, without any effort being made to raise the monies by other means. By this, I mean that there is no tax on recreational fishermen! Why?

We have absolutely no guarantees, that every extra cent raised will go towards increased research and preservation of the Marine Park.

As a World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef should be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and this increase in Tax does not encourage responsible Dive operators to increase their safety, and environmental practices; just squeezes them a little more, and it certainly doesn't make it any easier for the common people to visit the reef, just more expensive.

If you agree with any of the above, and feel the same as I do, that the massive increase from $1 to $6 can not be justified and should not be levied on divers and snorkellers alone, please, please, please, send an e-mail to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) at the following address:

If you want to send a message to GBRMPA the easy way, I have formulated this page to send an email to them, all you have to do is fill in the e-mail address box below, and the following message will be send for you:

     Subject: GBR Reef Tax Increase.

     I feel that the increase in Reef Tax from $1 to $6
     should not be born by the recreational divers and
     snorkellers who use the reef alone.

     Further, the increase is enormous, and I would like
     to seek gaurantees that every cent will be put into
     reef enhancement/research.

     Please register my complaint with the
     relevant department.

     Thank you.

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