Protecting the reef

16th July 2009

WHITSUNDAY Regional Council has joined forces with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The council has joined the Reef Guardian Council's program which is aimed at achieving better outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef through local government actions in natural resource management.

Mackay Regional Council and Isaac Regional Council have also joined the program and representatives from the three will attend a launch tomorrow.

The Great Barrier Reef catchment contains 42 Local Government areas and has six Natural Resource Management regions.

Responsibility for the management of land in the catchment lies principally with Local and Queensland State Government and individual land-owners.

Whitsunday Deputy Mayor, Cr Rogin Taylor, said Council was pleased to move forward in the protection of such a wonderful natural asset.

“We are fortunate to have this beautiful reef on our doorstep and it is important that Council take the lead in identifying and addressing the areas for environmental rehabilitation and enhancement,” he said.

“The benefits to council in participating in this program are significant with advice being provided in terms of such things as water quality, support in gaining funding, exposure to new initiatives and community awareness & education which includes how individuals can contribute to the long term future of the reef.”