15 October 2010

Rockhampton Regional Council has today shown its commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef by partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to officially become a Reef Guardian Council.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said the Great Barrier Reef was at a cross road and that the decisions made in the next few years were likely to determine its long-term future.

"The Reef is facing increasing pressures and it is local government commitment to initiatives like Reef Guardian Councils that will help ensure the Reef is well placed to meet the challenges ahead," Dr Reichelt said.

"Reef Guardian Councils is an innovative program that recognises council's environmental projects while encouraging participants to foster environmental stewardship of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park through increased commitment to best management practices.

"The program provides councils with a fantastic opportunity to broaden current on-ground projects and engage their local community on how we all have a part to play in ensuring our Reef remains healthy for future generations.

"I am delighted that Rockhampton Regional Council has taken this opportunity to come on board as a Reef Guardian Council.

"I congratulate the council and we look forward to working closely with them to address pressures from climate change and to build the resilience of the Reef by improving water quality flowing from the catchment to the Marine Park."

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Cr Brad Carter said the Great Barrier Reef was one of Australia’s natural treasures and it was everyone's responsibility to ensure that the Reef and its ecosystem was protected for many decades to come.

“The council is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority through its Reef Guardian Council program, and is committed to adopting best practice management processes in its activities in an effort to maintain the Reef's beautiful and unique characteristics,” Cr Carter said.

“If we all do our part to protect this natural wonder, it will ensure the continuation of its abundant and varied marine life, reef systems, and coral.”

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