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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Reef Guardian Councils programme?

The Reef Guardian Council programme is a partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and local government. The programme is about recognising existing and proposed council activities that can improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from the surrounding lands. The programme supports the council by facilitating communications with other like-minded stakeholders, organisations and community groups in order to bring about better environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef. Find out more information about the programme.

2. How does joining the programme benefit the council?

Upon joining the programme, the GBRMPA will facilitate the linkages between the council and support groups and agencies in a way that can help council to better utilise these resources and opportunities. Some of the benefits local government will receive from the Reef Guardian Council programme include:

  • Raise recognition among the wider community of their councils' commitment to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Provide opportunities for council to utilise its Reef Guardian Council status as a promotional and marketing tool
  • Help improve the likelihood of gaining funding for council-driven programmes that further the objectives of relevant initiatives.

Find out more information about the council benefits under the programme.

3. What environmental outcomes can we expect to achieve?

One of the GBRMPA's most important goals is to improve the quality of the water that enters the Great Barrier Reef from land-based catchments. The Reef Guardian Council programme is one component of the strategic direction the GBRMPA is using to achieve this aim. Some of the project outcomes under this programme include:

  • Reduction in sediments, nutrients and other wastes entering the catchment and the Great Barrier Reef
  • Greater protection for important coastal and wetland habitats 
  • Generating a greater awareness of the connectivity between the catchment and the Great Barrier Reef 
  • Fostering an understanding of how land based activities can impact on the Great Barrier Reef.

4. How do we join the programme?

For further details contact the GBRMPA's Reef Guardian Council coordinator. Email reef.councils@gbrmpa.gov.au or phone (07) 4750 0700.

5. Our council has applied, what now?

The first stage is to prepare an action plan containing all of the environmentally relevant activities undertaken by council using our online database. Once the action plan is finished, the council and the GBRMPA will come together to develop a memorandum of understanding. Once this is completed, we will then assess the action plan and, once agreed upon, arrange for council to become a Reef Guardian.

6. What support do we receive from the GBRMPA?

A Reef Guardian Council coordinator is available to assist inducted councils with the completion of action plans. Local support is also given through the GBRMPA's Community Partnerships Group regional liaison offices and through the Reef Guardian Schools programme. The programme also provides for the marketing of successful Reef Guardian Councils including launch and workshop promotions, external signage, certificates and marketing opportunities. Find out more information about the support offered from the GBRMPA.

7. Are there any costs involved and how much staff time will we need to put towards the programme?

The only costs to council are those of running the projects contained within the annual action plan, which are generally identified for funding under existing council operating budgets. A time allowance for the preparation of the action plans and participation in the annual facilitation workshop is also required.

8. Does the GBRMPA offer any funding under the programme?

The GBRMPA offers in-kind support (as described in point six above) with the programme and will also assist council in sourcing funding especially through a mechanised grant application process, located  on the Reef Guardian Council website, for projects contained within the action plan. The GBRMPA will also identify programme linkages between councils and assist with collective funding opportunities.

9. Our council has already employed a number of environmentally friendly initiatives, why should we join the programme?

The Reef Guardian Council programme serves to promote recognition of these activities to the broader community through the Reef Guardian Council brand and can bring regional natural resource management bodies and community groups together with council to help further enhance these initiatives. The Reef Guardian Council programme targets those actions that deliver direct environmental benefits to the Great Barrier Reef.

10. Is the programme open to all councils?

The Reef Guardian Council programme only applies to councils located within the catchment region of the Great Barrier Reef. Given the work required to assist councils to undertake the tasks to become a Reef Guardian Council the GBRMPA will work through the steering committee councils and the relevant Regional Organisation of Councils in progressing the programme.  

11. Which councils are approved Reef Guardian Councils?

As of July 2007 the following councils have become Reef Guardians:

  • Townsville City Council
  • Hinchinbrook Shire Council
  • Burdekin Shire Council
  • Livingstone Shire Council.

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