Draft management plan for the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve
Federal · DCCEEW · Consultation · 28 Sep 2026
Proposed by government
Summary
The Head of the Australian Antarctic Division has prepared a draft management plan for the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, Australia's most remote Commonwealth marine reserve covering 380,631 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean. The previous plan expired on 14 October 2024. Once finalised, the new plan will guide management for 10 years. Public consultation closes 28 October 2026.
- Located approximately 4,000 kilometres south-west of mainland Australia
- Previous management plan expired 14 October 2024
- Public consultation period: 28 September to 28 October 2026
✓ Checked against the source text · Official source: consult.dcceew.gov.au