“With Curtis Island and the Capricorn Bunkers in their backyard, Gladstone residents know how amazingly diverse and complex the Great Barrier Reef system is. “The community is already keen to embrace sustainable options – you just have to attend the region’s Ecofest to see that.
“The Gladstone Region is recognised for its industry but also for its access to amazing places like Heron Island,” Ms Allen said. The Authority’s Assistant Director for the Reef Guardian Council program, Rebecca Allen said the Gladstone Region had an important role to play as a Reef champion and leader of change. “Gladstone Regional Council is planning a range of Reef Guardian Council activities over the next four-year term, including actions to minimise the impacts of climate change, manage the effect of coastal development, reduce land-based run-off and protect reef heritage and social values,” Cr Muszkat said. Gladstone Region Councillor and Reef Guardian champion Natalia Muszkat said she is looking forward to partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to take action to promote initiatives that can help the Reef. “The Reef is a fundamental part of our identity and we are keen to take action to help the Reef’s resilience.” “The Great Barrier Reef is right on our doorstep, and our community has a passionate and very strong connection with the Reef,” Mayor Burnett said.
Gladstone Region Mayor Burnett said the Council took the Reef Guardian role very seriously. Gladstone Regional Council has supported the Reef Guardian Council program since 2009 allowing us to join forces with other councils to drive local action and empower catchment communities to support a healthy Great Barrier Reef. The Gladstone Regional Council has recently renewed its partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to be a Reef Guardian Council for the 2020-2024 period.