Take Action on Climate Change

On 17 August 2009, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman, Dr Russell Reichelt, along with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daniel Gschwind, and the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators Executive Director, Mr Col McKenzie, launched the Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Strategy 2009 - 2012 at the Tourism Futures Conference on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Group.

The Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Strategy 2009 – 2012 provides a way forward for the Reef tourism industry, government and other partners to take action in response to climate change.

Take action today by calculating your carbon footprint so you know where you are now and you can monitor your progress in reducing emissions. An Emissions Calculator has been developed specifically for Marine Park Tourism Operators to allow easy calculation of your carbon footprint.

The next step is to identify practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint and adapt to impacts of climate change. Case studies are being developed to provide background information and real-life examples of changes that can be made to practices within marine tourism operations:

• The use of bio-diesel in marine operations
• Climate change action and response certification schemes for tourism operators
• Becoming carbon neutral and understanding carbon offsetting

Businesses adopting Climate Action Certification through Ecotourism Australia will receive practical assistance in equipping themselves for both the impacts of climate change and to reduce their own contribution to greenhouse gas production.

Whenever you are in the Marine Park you can help by following the responsible reef practices for climate change action.

The Great Barrier Reef Climate Change Action Group

The Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Group is made up of:

• Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Tourism Industry Council
• Col McKenzie, Executive Director, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators
• Lisha Mulqueeny, Director Tourism and Recreation Group, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Paul Marshall, Director Climate Change Group, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Tony Charters, Ecotourism Association
• Tony Baker, Managing Director, Quicksilver Group
• Therese Phillips, Director Industry Innovation, Tourism Queensland
• Peter Gash, Managing Director, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
• Deb Lewis, Executive Secretary, Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association
• John Hicks, Business Manager Marine Directorate, Department of Environment and Resource Management