29 August 2007

The Gladstone community has been praised for its efforts in helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Representatives from a range of local volunteer, conservation, Indigenous, tourism, farming, fishing and business groups have been invited to attend a community barbecue to be held by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) on Wednesday (29 August).

The GBRMPA’s Senior Management Team is this year holding one of its key regional meetings in Gladstone, and is taking the opportunity to host the community gathering.

Acting Chairman Andrew Skeat said it was a good opportunity to receive valued feedback from the community about issues related to the Great Barrier Reef and to thank the community for their work.

“Keeping the Great Barrier Reef great is only possible through the support and efforts of a range of dedicated community representatives,” Mr Skeat said.

“The GBRMPA understands that to achieve the best outcomes in local Marine Park catchment areas it is essential to work in partnership with the community and other Government agencies.

“We appreciate the efforts Gladstone’s community groups make to improve the environment and to minimise the impact of coastal practices on the Great Barrier Reef.

“Gladstone is home to Queensland’s largest port and contains 13 vegetated coral cays off its shores, the best known of which are Heron, Masthead, North West, Wilson, Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands.

“The Senior Managers will be undertaking a field visit to a number of relevant sites in the Gladstone area”. 

Invitations have been extended to representatives from a range of groups and organisations including the Gladstone Marine Advisory Committee, Fitzroy Basin Association, Gladstone City Council, local Traditional Owners, Gladstone Sportsfishing Club, Voyages, Clinton State School and Toolooa State High School (Reef Guardian Schools), Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Customs and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.