In a survey of over 1000 respondents who were residents of the Great Barrier Reef area, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra, Green et al. (1999) asked respondents to state what three words they would use to describe the Great Barrier Reef. Respondents who had been to the GBR most often used words like beautiful/pretty (51%), splendid/tremendous (47%), Pristine/untouched (29%) and Unique/exotic (28%). Respondents who had not been to the GBR were most likely to use words such as Beautiful/pretty (52%), Colourful (31%), Pristine/untouched (28%) and Unique/exotic (25%).

Likewise, Ormsby, Moscardo, Pearce and Foxlee (2004) noted that "people can develop strong attachments to places that go beyond their actual use or time spent in the place" (p.30) and that strong place attachments are important components in their overall quality of life.

Citation and/or URL

Green, D., Moscardo, G., Greenwood, T., Pearce, P. , Arthur, M., Clark, A., & Woods, B. (1999) Understanding public perceptions of the Great Barrier Reef and its management. CRC Reef Research Centre Technical Report No.29. Townsville: CRC Reef Research Centre, 64pp.

Ormsby, J., Moscardo, G., Pearce, P. & Foxlee, J. (2004). A review of research into tourist and recreational uses of protected natural areas. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Research Publication No.79. Townsville: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, pp.57.

Spatial Coverage

 Great Barrier Reef catchment area and Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne

Temporal Coverage

 1997, 2004

Update Frequency

 intermittent

Other Information

 NIL