Behind the scenes, there’s a whole team working to keep Lady Elliot Island protected.

Who Owns the Island?

Lady Elliot Island is a Commonwealth Island, which means it’s owned by the Australian Government. The island is privately leased by the Gash family, but comes with strict environmental rules.

Lease and Permits

Running a resort on Lady Elliot isn’t just business – it’s a responsibility. Operations follow:

• A formal lease that outlines what can and can’t be built or done
• A Marine Parks permit that protects the reef, the island’s wildlife, and its cultural heritage

These meet strict national laws like the EPBC Act (Australia’s main environmental law) and set requirements for:

• Sustainable tourism
• Revegetation and habitat restoration
• Strict biosecurity rules
• Wildlife care and monitoring

Who Makes Sure It’s All Done Right?

The island is jointly managed through a partnership between:

• The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

This collaborative approach ensures the island is protected both on land and in surrounding waters, with regular monitoring, compliance checks, and conservation programs in place.