The Hinchinbrook Shire Council has signed up for the Reef Guardian program for the 2020–2024 period. They join other councils in leading the nation to drive local action and support a healthy Great Barrier Reef.
Mayor Ramon Jayo said the Hinchinbrook Shire is a small community, with a big connection to the Great Barrier Reef.
"Our region encompasses wet tropics, ancient rainforests, our much loved Hinchinbrook Island and Wallaman Falls, not to mention our rivers and wetlands that flow into the waterways and out to the Reef.
"This makes us take our role as a Reef Guardian Council very seriously – it is our responsibility as a Council and a community to ensure the longevity of the Great Barrier Reef," Mayor Jayo said.
Reef Guardian Champion Councillor Andrew Lancini said the next four years the Council will continue to implement Reef Guardian initiatives that maintain and improve the health of the Reef.
"Some initiatives include rehabilitating Warrens Hill landfill, reducing littering and illegal dumping, delivering upon waste education and community engagement, improving and refurbishing our waste facilities, and implementing water saving measures for residents through the installation of electronic smart water meters."
The Authority's Assistant Director for Reef Guardian Councils, Rebecca Allen said the Hinchinbrook Council had an important role to play as custodians of such an amazing landscape connected directly to the Reef.
"With the iconic Hinchinbrook Channel and its vast mangrove forests, amazing fishing and boating, fringing reefs, and seagrass meadows, visitors and locals alike are intrinsically linked to the natural values of the area.
"The Hinchinbrook Shire Council are committed to the program and helping improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef, and we have great confidence in them developing a program that will assist both the Reef and our catchment communities.
"We hope the Reef Guardian Council program will help to spread the message that people taking action now – however small – will help the Reef. This is a mission for everyone, everywhere across the globe."
