26 June 2009

The important heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef are recognised with a new plaque officially unveiled at the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre.

The Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre is among several sites in Queensland that will house heritage information on the Great Barrier Reef.

Capricorn Tourism’s General Manager – Visitor Services and Membership Chantelle Ludcke said the plaque recognised one of the region's most popular attractions, the Great Barrier Reef.

"We're delighted to have this plaque that recognises the important heritage value of the Great Barrier Reef," she said.

"Given our proximity to the coast, we get a lot of questions from visitors about the Great Barrier Reef and are keen to promote this great natural icon."

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman Russell Reichelt said the Great Barrier Reef was one of Australia's first World Heritage Areas.

"The Great Barrier Reef is a natural treasure and continues to be an international icon that is recognised for its unique plants, animals and habitats," he said.

"The heritage information being installed along the Queensland coast will remind visitors and locals about this special area and give them the opportunity to learn more about it."

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest World Heritage Area and is also probably the best-known marine protected area in the world.

It is the world's most extensive coral reef system and is one of the world's richest areas in terms of biological diversity.

The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.

The Great Barrier Reef was one of 15 World Heritage places included in the National Heritage List on 21 May 2007.

The plaque is among a series of interpretation material produced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and the Arts to recognise the country's natural heritage sites.