Two coral reefs off Mission Beach will be named in honour of pioneering conservationist John Büsst, who led campaigns in the late 1960s and early 1970s to protect some of Australia's most iconic natural environments including the Great Barrier Reef.
Büsst, an artist and conservationist originally from Victoria, lived at nearby Bingil Bay and was one of the prominent voices behind the "Save the Reef" campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impacts of proposed resource extraction and development.
The newly named John Büsst Reefs are located East of Ellison Reef, off the coast of Mission Beach, close to where Büsst lived until his death in 1971.
It comprises two currently unnamed charted features:
- Unnamed Reef No. 17-060 - 17.739° S, 146.502° E
- Unnamed Reef No. 17-061 - 17.750° S, 146.508° E
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority General Manager Caroline Turnour said naming both reefs was a fitting recognition of Büsst's contribution to one of Australia's most significant conservation movements.
- "John Büsst was an integral voice in the early efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef," Ms Turnour said.
"From his home at Bingil Bay, he helped bring attention to the threats facing the Reef at that time, including proposed oil drilling and resource extraction, and worked alongside scientists, conservationists and political leaders to build support for its protection.
"It is only fitting that reefs off the coast of Mission Beach, close to where Büsst lived and worked, will now carry his name and the Reef Authority is incredibly proud to help to facilitate this."
Büsst campaigned in the 1960s and early 1970s against threats including coral mining, coastal development and proposed oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Working with other prominent figures including acclaimed poet and author Judith Wright, and ecologists Len Webb and Geoff Tracey, he helped bring national attention to the need to protect the Reef.
The 'Save the Reef' campaign included more than 4,000 letters sent around the world highlighting the threats facing the Reef.
This broader conservation movement contributed to the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and subsequent long-term protection and management arrangements for the Reef.
Long-time marine scientist and CEO of Reef Ecologic, Dr Adam Smith, who submitted the nomination, said the naming of John Büsst Reefs was a wonderful full-circle moment for all Reef lovers.
- "This is more than a name on a chart. It recognises a man whose voice helped bring the plight of the Great Barrier Reef to national attention, and the coastline he loved and worked to protect," he said.
"John's story is a reminder that one person with conviction can start a much bigger conversation. He never lived to see the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park established, so seeing his name now attached to part of the Reef is a very moving way to honour his contribution."
Büsst died on 5 April 1971, while preparing evidence for the Royal Commission into Exploratory and Production Drilling for Petroleum in the Area of the Great Barrier Reef.
He did not live to see the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1975.
The proposed naming also reflects the importance of accurate and consistent nautical charting. The Australian Hydrographic Office charts the two reefs as a single feature, so the proposed name would apply to both, providing consistency between the charted feature and its name and supporting navigational clarity and safety.
Ms Turnour said the naming would provide a lasting connection to Büsst's legacy.
- "The protection of the Great Barrier Reef has been shaped by generations of people who have advocated for its future," Ms Turnour said.
"John Büsst was an important part of that history, and naming this reef in his honour ensures his contribution continues to be remembered."
Reef naming processes are strict and require extensive consultation. Following John Büsst's nomination, the naming of John Büsst Reefs was agreed upon under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Hydrographic Office, the Queensland Department of Resources, and the Reef Authority.
