The Mackay Regional Council has signed up to be a Reef Guardian Council for the 2020–2024 period and will join other councils in leading the nation in driving local action to support a healthy Great Barrier Reef.
Last week the council re-committed to the Reef Guardian Council program, a partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the council took the Reef Guardian role very seriously.
"Our community has a passionate and very strong connection with the Great Barrier Reef," Mayor Williamson said.
"It's important that we keep the Reef in the best possible condition."
"We aim to lead by example and inspire others across Australia and the world to take action to help the Reef."
The Council is planning a range of Reef Guardian Council activities over the next four-year term, including developing a 'Natural Environment Network Blueprint'. This is a keystone project under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy and will provide valuable baseline data on which to develop and integrate long-term environmental targets into council's corporate strategies and plans.
The Authority's Assistant Director for Regional Engagement Carolyn Roche said the Mackay region had an important role to play as a Reef champion and leader of change.
"The Mackay region residents are already doing great things to support the environmental sustainability.' she said.
"Over the previous term we built a strong relationship and delivered some great initiatives that help 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.
"It's a very important and powerful message to send to the rest of the Australia and to world."
