Surf Life Saving Queensland, the Port Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee, Low Isles Preservation Society and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have joined forces to bring the Port Douglas community a unique opportunity to hear the facts about marine stingers.

Port Douglas Local Marine Advisory Committee Chair Doug Baird encouraged members of the public, tourism operators and their crews, and anyone with an interest in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to come along to a free community information session.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Marine Stinger Advisor Dr Lisa-Ann Gershwin will provide the community with information to de-mystify these animals and their behaviour,” Mr Baird said.

“This forum is a fantastic opportunity for the Port Douglas and surrounding community to come and hear a world-renowned expert in marine stingers give tips that can help them better enjoy a day at the beach or on the water.

“People will also have an opportunity to support the Low Isles Preservation Society with a community sausage sizzle before the information session.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Marine Stinger Advisor Dr Gershwin said it is important the community is given accurate and balanced information about marine stingers and the ‘true risk’ they pose.

“We hope to dispel the speculation, whispers and old-wives tales that seem to arise when people talk about marine stingers,” Dr Gershwin said.

“We will give people tips that work, so you can go to the beach, have a great time and minimise any chance of getting stung.

“It is important that people are not afraid of marine stingers and understand that they can minimise the chances of getting stung.”

Low Isles Preservation Society President Ed Green urged residents and visitors, with an interest in this important issue, to attend the event and while at it, enjoy a snag as well.

“We will be holding a sausage sizzle before the presentation so the marine community can have a chance to meet and chat.  All proceeds will go the Low Isles Preservation Society.”

The sausage sizzle will begin at 6pm at the Port Douglas Community Hall (Mowbray Street) followed by the community information session at 7pm on Thursday 1 February.