The Australian Empire

The Coral Sea Islands Territory consists of many small islands spread over a huge sea area of approximately 780,000 sq km, extending east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. By contrast, the total land area of the territory is only 3 sq km and includes Heralds Beacon Island, Osprey Reef, the Willis Group and fifteen other reef and island groups. Only Willis Island is inhabited with four Bureau of Meteorological staff. Unmanned weather stations, beacons and a lighthouse are located on several other islands and reefs.

Occasional tropical cyclones sweep over the islands from November to April, leaving the coral and sand islands covered with only grass and low vegetation cover. There is no fresh water.

History

Discovered in 1803, some islands were briefly exploited for guano in the 1870s and 1880s but were soon abandoned due to a lack of permanent water. During the 19th century many ships were wrecked in the area due to constantly shifting sand cays, and the reefs and islands have often been named after the ships which foundered there.

In 1969, the Coral Sea Islands Territory was proclaimed by the Commonwealth under the Coral Sea Islands Act. In 1987, the boundaries of the Territory were extended around Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs. These reefs are 160 km north of Lord Howe Island and are the southernmost extremity of the Coral Sea. The reefs are part of Australia's continental shelf.

In 1982, the Lihou Reef and Coringa-Herald Nature Reserves were declared by the Commonwealth Government. In 1987, Elizabeth and Middleton reefs were declared a marine national nature reserve. All wildlife in the Territory is now legally protected under National Parks and Wildlife Regulations. A Migratory Birds Ordinance is in force, and gives effect to the Australia-Japan and Australia-China agreements on endangered and migratory birds.

The Territories Office of the Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories in Canberra, is responsible for the administration of the Territory, and liaises with other interested organisations such as the Bureau of Meteorology and the Royal Australian Navy as part of their Coastwatch responsibilities.

Figure 68 - Coral Sea Reef

Figure 69 - Coral Sea Islands Territory                                                                 (Source: Geoscience Australia)

Figure 70 - Willis Island