Mackay councillor Theresa Morgan was elected chair of the Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee for the next three year term at the new committee's first meeting this week.

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 Chair 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."

Ms Morgan, whose council responsibilities include parks and environment, welcomed the opportunity for the Mackay region to have a voice on Reef issues.

"The Reef is critical to this region from economic, social and cultural perspectives. It is the reason many of us live in this beautiful part of the world," she said.  

"Committee members come from diverse backgrounds including the agriculture industry, conservation sector, recreational fishing, agriculture and local government. I'm confident we'll be able to represent the views of the Mackay community."

Mackay LMAC area covers Midge Point in the north to Broadsound in the south.  It includes the three coastal shires of Mackay, Sarina and Broadsound.

The new committee includes experienced members who have returned for another three-year term, and four new members who bring fresh perspectives to the table.

Established in 1999, the committees meet five times a year and undertake regional environmental projects.

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.