Tuesday 22 November 2005

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is inviting people from the Cairns region to have their say on Marine Park management by joining the Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman, The Hon. Virginia Chadwick AO, said the committee gives people an opportunity to advise the Authority on the conservation and sustainable use of their coastal and marine environments.

“The committee provides a forum for representatives from local interest groups, the community, and management agencies to discuss management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine World Heritage Area,” she said.

“We encourage nominations from a range of stakeholder groups, including recreational and commercial fishers, tourism, Indigenous, conservation, catchment managements, port authorities, relevant industries, local government and interested individuals.”

Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee Chairman Bob Rossi said it is important that all groups who have a stake in the Marine Park nominate for membership to the committee.

“Over the past three years the Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee has been able to advise and influence Federal, State and local government organisations on issues relating to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in our local area,” he said.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people who have an involvement or genuine interest in the management, conservation, and ecologically-sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to become directly involved and have a say in its management.”

Membership to the Local Marine Advisory Committee is voluntary and membership renewal occurs every three years. The Committee meets six times a year.

There will be 11 Local Marine Advisory Committees operating along the coast from Cooktown to Bundaberg.

For details on how to apply, call Tracey Rehbein on 4750 0732.