Monday June 7 2004

The new zoning plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was recognised over the weekend by way of a Banksia Award, as a major initiative for the long-term protection of the reef.

The Representative Areas Program, which allows for an increase in highly protected areas on the reef from 4.5 per cent to 33 per cent, received the category-three award for “Government Leading by Example for a Sustainable Future.”

Awards are presented by the Banksia Environmental Foundation, which is a national not-for-profit organisation that promotes environmental excellence, and as a consequence sustainability, by staging each year Australia's best known and most prestigious environmental award program,

Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Virginia Chadwick, said it was an honour and humbling experience for the Authority to receive the award.

“I don’t think there is a single member of staff here that has not contributed to this project in one form or another. It’s an award that recognises the importance of the reef and the Australian people’s desire to protect it,” Mrs Chadwick said.

The Banksia web page describes the new Zoning Plan for the Marine Park as “…one of the most exciting global advances in the systematic protection of marine biodiversity in recent decades.”

“It’s a program we’re all proud of. It is the largest protection plan of its kind in the world and the world watched us do it. This is award is a lovely reminder today but a healthy Great Barrier Reef is the real reward for future generations,” she said.

More on the Banksia Awards can be found at: http://www.banksiafdn.com/index.php