Conservation and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area has recently come into media focus following correspondence from UNESCO calling government agencies in Australian to prepare a strategic plan addressing exactly how anticipated urban development expansions could continue while still satisfying conservation and protection obligations under the world heritage agreement. To examine the scale of coastal development in the world heritage estate, we used a mapping tool and found that approximately 10% of the coastline has been urbanised. While most (60%) development occurs along the coastline or within the first few kilometres upstream along estuaries the result is a mosaic of natural and urban fish habitat. In several estuaries, the entire linear length has been completely modified, replaced with rock breakwalls, marinas, boat ramps, port developments or pontoons/jetties. We argue the need for explicit data on the utility of the new seascape in achieving long term fisheries production and resilience. At the least, practicable ecological engineering designs are necessary to achieve dual benefits of habitat complexity and human gain. By incorporating seascape considerations in assessment of new developments, managers may have better success in preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems, a necessity for this world heritage estate.