11 December 2008

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is seeking nominations from people interested in providing advice and input into the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Positions are available on eleven Local Marine Advisory Committees spanning the length of the Marine Park for a term of three years.

The committees for Cape York, Port Douglas, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Townsville/Burdekin, Whitsunday/Bowen, Mackay, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone and Burnett/Bundaberg meet every two months to discuss and provide the GBRMPA with advice on marine issues in their region.

GBRMPA Director of Regional Engagement and Planning, Fiona Macdonald, commended previous Local Marine Advisory Committees for providing invaluable advice in managing the Marine Park. 

“Good management must have community input.

“I urge any interested people to nominate to join your Local Marine Advisory Committee.”

Local Marine Advisory Committee members are volunteers who have traditionally represented a range of stakeholders groups including recreational and commercial fishers, farmers, conservationists, tourism operators, local government and Traditional Owners in the management of the Marine Park.

Anyone interested in nominating for the committee should contact Ms Nicole Robbins on (07) 4750 0700 or visit the website www.gbrmpa.gov.au to download a nomination form.

Nominations for the committees close on Monday 15 December.