The Burnett area is also known as the Coral Coast, and is a popular tourist destination due to its close proximity to Fraser Island and Hervey Bay. The area is an important sanctuary for humpback whales on their northern winter migration to breed. The largest centre is the city of Bundaberg, which is the most southerly access point to the Great Barrier Reef. The coastline hosts a number of significant sea turtle breeding and nesting grounds.

The main industries in the region comprise facets of the sugar industry including distilling and cane harvester manufacturing, as well as small crops, forestry, agriculture, fishing and marine, light aircraft manufacturing, metal casting, machining and tourism.

Burnett LMAC region

The Burnett LMAC represents the interests of residents in the Burnett and Bundaberg regions, and is concerned with the coastal and inland area extending from Rocky Point in the north to Burrum Point in the south.

Who is represented on the Burnett LMAC?

Members of the Burnett LMAC represent a diversity of interest groups including: regional tourism interests, commercial and recreational fishing interests, conservation groups, local council, natural resource managers, and farmers. Government officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority are also represented on the committee.

What are some of the current issues the LMAC are concerned about? 

• Great Sandy Regional Marine Aquaculture Management Plan

• Development of fisheries management plans

• Re building links with local government after amalgamation of councils

What has the LMAC accomplished?

• Kept members well informed on all marine related matters

• Effective communication and advice to GBRMPA

• Provision of $4000 to initiate a Bundaberg/Burnett “CAPREEF” project

• Provision direct and indirect support of the Reef Guardian Schools program

• Provision of support for GBRMPA at regional shows and events 

Further information about LMACs

For further information on Local Marine Advisory Committees, please contact:

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Southern Regional Office
PO Box 301
ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4700

Tel: (07) 4921 4055
Fax: (07) 4921 4034

Email: southern.region@gbrmpa.gov.au