Whitsunday Council recommits to Reef Guardian Council program

In partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Whitsunday Regional Council has recommitted to the Reef Guardian Council program.

The commitment sees the Whitsunday Regional Council be a Reef Guardian Council for the 2020-2024 period and their joining other councils in leading the nation in driving local action to support a healthy Great Barrier Reef.

Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox said his Council was proud to support the Reef Guardian program and added “the Whitsundays is the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and we are the custodians for a unique part of the world.

“Our community has a passionate and strong connection with the Great Barrier Reef as many of our residents live near the coast.

“Council is leading the way with environmental initiatives like the recently completed Greening and Growing Bowen project.

“The high-quality recycled water will be reused to irrigate and green Bowen’s parks, sports fields and golf courses and is a big step forward in greening and growing Bowen for future generations.”

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Assistant Director for Regional Engagement, Carolyn Roche said the Whitsunday region had an important role to play as a Reef champion and leader of change.

Roches notes “with its beautiful beaches, national parks, ranges and the iconic Whitsunday Islands, the area is not only important for its ecological and cultural heritage values but as a world renowned tourism destination.

“The region is naturally linked to the Great Barrier Reef – it’s part of the area’s identity.

“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.

“By working together we harness the power of collective action. We expect at least 18 local governments in the Reef catchment will sign up to be Reef Guardians for the next four years.”