Local Mayor Bill Shannon was elected chair of the Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee for the next three year term at the new committee's first meeting recently.

It is one of 12 committees along the coast from Cape York to Bundaberg that provide input to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) on local marine issues.

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said committee members would play an essential role in the future management of the Great Barrier Reef.

"We will be looking to these committees for advice on how we achieve a balance between sustainable use and protecting the Reef for the future," he said.

"They will contribute to the strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area that will identify the Reef's values, the threats, and what we need to do to address them."

Mr Shannon welcomed the opportunity for the Cassowary Coast region to have a voice on Reef issues. 

"Managing the Reef is complex, and it's very important that regional communities are included and our voices are heard," he said.

"We need collaboration across all levels of government, industry and communities to give the Reef its best chance of long-term survival."

Mr Shannon said the new committee included experienced members who had returned for another three-year term, and six new members who brought fresh perspectives to the table.

Members represent a wide range of stakeholders including the tourism industry, conservation, fishing and agriculture.

The Cassowary Coast LMAC area covers Flying Fish Point in the north to Tully Heads in the south.

Committees operate in the Cape York, Douglas, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Bowen-Burdekin, Whitsundays, Mackay, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone and Burnett regions.

Earlier this year, there was a call for residents along the coast to nominate for the committees.

Find out more about the Cassowary Coast Local Marine Advisory Committee.