We are working with many people in the community and industry to ensure the Great Barrier Reef is protected for the future.

The Outlook Report 2009 identified the Reef is at a cross roads and decisions made in the next few years are likely to determine its long-term outlook.

These partnerships are crucial for the future of this great natural treasure, as well as the future of communities and industries that depend on this resource.

Gordonvale State School

Gordonvale State School is a Reef Guardian School involved in on-ground environmental activities which benefit the Great Barrier Reef.

A raft of sustainability initiatives, including efforts to rehabiliate O'Leary's Creek, have earned them the Reef Guardian Champions Award.

They also have a whole of community approach to sustainability, particularly on catchment care.

By rejuvenating lost wetlands, Gordonvale State School is directly helping to build the health of the Great Barrier Reef and its supporting habitats.

We can all do something to help manage the Reef.

Marine Monitoring Program

Low Isles caretaker Rick Kilpatrick is one of many volunteers helping to manage the Marine Park by participating in the Marine Monitoring program.

Tourism operators, community volunteers and other agencies have been providing researchers with samples to measure nutrient and pesticide concentrations.

Volunteers are a vital link in the broader Marine Monitoring Program involving a partnership of government departments, researchers, industry and the broader community.

Traditional Owners

As part of sea country management, Traditional Owners are working with GBRMPA to respond to and report suspected illegal activity in the Marine Park.

Traditional Owners are involved in the "Eyes and Ears – Better Witness" training workshop run by GBRMPA to boosts their skills in responding to and reporting suspected illegal activity.

Traditional Owners have a close connection with the Reef and have important roles in ensuring it is protected for the future.

Reef Guardian Farmers

Tony and Marjorie Ross were recognised as the first Reef Guardian Farmers for their exceptional environmental practices in agriculture.

"We're proud to be Reef Guardian farmers, and happy to be a part of the pilot program being developed with the cane industry," Tony said.

"Over the last 20 years we have been adapting our farming practices to keep fertilisers on the farm and minimise run-off. It's good for our business and the environment.

"We hope to spread the word to others about how simple modifications to farming practices can make a big difference."

Gladstone Regional Council

Gladstone Regional Council is one of 14 Reef Guardian Councils working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help build a healthier Reef for the future.

“The objectives of the Reef Guardian Council program will be embedded in our council’s practice, assisting us to improve our capacity to achieve better environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef,” Mayor Gail Sellers said.

“We are looking forward to identifying future initiatives under the Reef Guardian Program that will help to further protect Australia’s national icon.”

Eco Barge Services

In one year, Eco Barge Services removed more than 50 000 kilograms of marine debris from the Whitsunday region.

"Having a constant and ongoing marine debris removal program in place for the Whitsunday Islands is essential for our local marine life’s safety," Eco Barge Services Director Libby Edge said.

"This is such a positive program and we are hoping to find sponsors to keep this program ongoing for our region."

Eco Barge is made up of more than 100 passionate volunteers who clear beaches of marine plastic pollution.

Their efforts contribute greatly to management actions that are protecting the Reef.