Tuesday 6 June 2006

More than 25 000 litres of water, 800 fish and a three-metre high waterfall – the three vital ingredients for a new wetlands exhibit at the Reef HQ aquarium in Townsville.

The display, showing the connection between wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, will be formally opened by Member for Herbert Peter Lindsay tomorrow (Wednesday 7 June 2006).

Mr Lindsay said the display showed the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s commitment to educating the community about the importance of conserving fresh and saltwater habitats.

“The new wetlands exhibit is one of the most visually exciting and innovative exhibits the Reef HQ aquarium has to offer,” he said.

“It is a key tool for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to show the community the importance of wetlands to the Marine Park.

“It is also testament to the strong partnership between the Federal Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the State Government through the Queensland Wetlands Programme.”

Mr Lindsay said the display, which took eight months to complete, was constructed with environmental efficiencies and water conservation in mind.

The filtration system used ensures minimal water use and minimal discharge of wastewater, and plants are used in the system to encourage natural recycling of nutrients. Some of the fish will eat the plants, minimising the need to add food to the system so the system will be relatively self-sustaining.

The exhibit features only Australian native fish species found in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment - including Rainbow Fish, Gudgeons and Mangrove Jack - and native plants like Acacia and Melaluca.

Central to the display is an interactive touch-screen with regional wetland information, helping visitors enhance their knowledge, understanding and awareness of wetlands within the Great Barrier Reef Catchment. The exhibit also has a timber “observation deck” in the foreground, overlooking a mural by renowned artist Ian Richter who has worked on murals for films such as Moulin Rouge and Mission Impossible II.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Virginia Chadwick said the exhibit showed how wetlands were an essential part of the ecosystem.

“The exhibit shows the importance of wetlands and how these can be directly affected by land-based activities leading to impacts on the quality of water entering the Marine Park,” she said.

“We hope the display prompts visitors to take an interest in wetlands and help protect the Marine Park by implementing practices on the land, in their homes, workplaces or schools to help improve water quality.”

Ms Chadwick said the exhibit was collaboration between three levels of government, regional NRM bodies and water managers (through sponsorship), highlighting the important value of wetlands.

The launch commences at 10.00am tomorrow (Wednesday 7 June 2006) at the exhibit in the Reef HQ aquarium, Flinders Street, Townsville. Member for Herbert Peter Lindsay, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Virginia Chadwick and Water Quality and Coastal Development Director Hugh Yorkston will be available for interviews and photographs/vision at 10.25am. Media enquiries to Lisa Pennisi on (07) 4750 0807 or 0439 754 201.