Our story

Our vision: To protect the values of the Wet Tropics through collaboration, culture, knowledge and passion.

Rehabilitation - WTMA Board at East Evelyn 2011
Photographer: WTMA

The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area was declared in 1988. A management agency was formed soon after, which became the Wet Tropics Management Authority under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority (the Authority) fulfils Australia's international obligation under the World Heritage Convention to protect, conserve, present and rehabilitate the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (the Area) and to ensure its survival for future generations.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, the Authority has an independent Board of Directors. Administratively the Authority is a division within the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science.

The Authority employs about 40 staff and works in partnership to manage the Area with a range of government agencies, land managers and landholders, Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, research organisations, local government, tourism and community groups. A Scientific Advisory Committee ,  Community Consultative Committee and Indigenous Advisory Committee, appointed by the Board, provide expert advice on community and scientific matters.

What does the Wet Tropics Management Authority do?

The Authority administers the Queensland Government's Wet Tropics legislation and sets policies and procedures which govern activities and land use within the Area. The Authority's Wet Tropics Strategic Plan 2020–2030 guides its operations.

The Authority is responsible for policy and the coordination of on-ground management to ensure the Area is properly protected. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships and other land managers—including Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples—are responsible for day-to-day management issues such as maintenance, routine permits, and enforcement activities.

The Authority's main functions are to:

develop and implement management plans, policies and programs
administer funding arrangements
promote, research, and monitor the state of the Wet Tropics
enter into cooperative management agreements, rehabilitation and restoration works, and other arrangements with land holders and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, and other agencies
develop community education programs
promote the Wet Tropics locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Authority plays a significant role in raising awareness of the importance of the Area among partners, communities, and visitors to the region. By encouraging people to protect this special place, the Authority is helping to ensure that it will be enjoyed by future generations.

Want to know more?

You can contact the Authority by email or through our contact us page.