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Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee (Mackay LMAC)

Located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, the city of Mackay has a population of about 82 000 and is situated on the coast where the Pioneer River meets the Coral Sea. Economically founded upon sugar cane, mining and beef cattle, today the Mackay region is increasingly popular as a holiday destination for travellers seeking an unspoilt, friendly contrast to the more developed tourist areas elsewhere.

The area was settled by John Mackay in 1862 because of the fertile river and hinterland country. Other European settlers attracted to the lush Pioneer Valley soon joined him, and the area grew to become the largest sugar capital in Australia. Coal mining has also flourished in the region, and today there are two huge coal-loading terminals, which collectively export one of the highest annual tonnages of any Australian port. Other local industries include dairy farming and fishing.

Mackay LMAC region

The Mackay LMAC region covers one of the longer expanses of coast of all the LMACs in the Great Barrier Reef, extending from Midge Point (Repulse Bay) in the north, to the eastern side of Broadsound (Arthur Point) in the south, and includes the three coastal shires of Mackay, Sarina and Broadsound. The main population centres in the LMAC region are Mackay City and Sarina.

Who is represented on the Mackay LMAC?

Members represent a diversity of interest groups including: Mackay & District Turtle Watch, Mackay Conservation Group, Mackay Whitsunday NRM, Mackay Canegrowers, a traditional owner from the Yuibera People, Mackay Tourism, commercial and recreational fishing interests and non-aligned individuals with an interest in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. There are also representatives from the three coastal shire councils of Mackay, Sarina and Broadsound and Ports Corporation of Queensland.  Government officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority are also represented on the committee.

What are some of the current issues the LMAC are concerned with?

  • Continuing with the rehabilitation and the construction of visitor facilities in the Newry Islands Group
  • Assisting local schools with active support and funding for the Reef Guardian Schools programme
  • Water quality issues effecting Mackay local area, particularly at local marinas
  • Increasing community awareness of relevant marine/coastal issues
  • Field trips to increase community understanding of canegrowers issues
  • Production of a Mackay community map/brochure
  • Initiating public forums in Mackay to explain issues such as climate change and sustainable fishing
  • Coordination with the Department of Natural Resources Mines and Water and their Sustainable Landscapes programme.

What the LMAC has accomplished to date?

  • Assisted considerably with rehabilitation and the construction of visitor facilities at Newry Island; LMAC Chair organised several ongoing clean-up operations, and the planting of 150 trees
  • Reviewed the Draft Zoning Plan for the Representative Areas Programme and facilitated communication of information to interest groups and the wider community
  • Orchestrated inclusion of tackle shops and other retailers in discussions on the Representative Areas Program
  • Ongoing liaison with industry, catchment and natural resource management (NRM) groups
  • Provided active support and funding for the promotion of the Reef Guardian Schools programme
  • Field trip to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal to increase the LMAC’s awareness and understanding of the industry.

Further information about LMACs

For further information on Local Marine Advisory Committees, please contact:

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Central Regional Office
PO Box 94
MACKAY  QLD  4740

Tel:  (07) 4951 3454
Fax: (07) 4951 3487

Email: central.region@gbrmpa.gov.au

Public Comments

If there is a local issue that concerns you, please contact the Chair or Secretary of the committee.

Chair:               Rod Cunningham  Email: rod@reefchange.com
Secretary:       Emeilia Holroyd

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