7 May 2009

The UK’s Ben Southall who scooped Tourism Queensland’s ‘Best Job in the World’ will be well placed to educate a world audience about the Great Barrier Reef. 

Representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority spoke to all applicants as part of the selection process for the highly contested position.

 The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, in conjunction with Queensland’s Department of Environment and Resource Management, briefed the chosen candidate about the expectations both agencies have on the individual who succeeds in securing the coveted position.

Russell Reichelt, Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said the candidate has won the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef while showcasing this World Heritage listed area to the rest of the world.

“Aside from the personal enjoyment, this position comes with some huge responsibilities. The candidate will be responsible for educating the international community about the management arrangements of a multiple use Marine Park,” he said.

“Current management arrangements allow recreational and commercial use to continue on the Reef while ensuring the natural biodiversity of the area is protected.

“He has the opportunity to influence and educate a world audience about protecting the Reef against the effects of climate change and the simple steps that can be taken by everyone, no matter where they are, to look after this unique eco-system.” said Dr Reichelt.

Damien Head, Department of Environment and Resource Management Regional Manager, said with so many of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef protected as national park, it was an exciting opportunity to share their secrets and surprises as part of the ‘Best job in the world’ selection process.

“National park islands are a very important dimension to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage and there is no better demonstration of their attributes than Whitehaven Beach’s seven kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand,” Mr Head said.”

“The National and Marine Parks will provide the ‘best job in the world’ candidates with a classroom and playground to be envied as they learn about nature’s values and ecosystems,” said Mr Head.

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