Natural resource manager Michael Nash has been elected chair of the Hinchinbrook Local Marine Advisory Committee for the group’s new three year term.
The committee is one of 12 along the coast from Cape York to Bundaberg that provide input to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) on local marine issues.
GBRMPA Chair Russell Reichelt said the Hinchinbrook committee recently held its first meeting, and that it would play an essential role in the future management of the Great Barrier Reef.
“ We will be looking to these committees for advice on how we achieve a balance between sustainable use and protecting the Reef for the future ,” he said.
“ They will contribute to the strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area that will identify the Reef’s values, the threats, and what we need to do to address them .”
As Terrain NRM’s Hinchinbrook Area Team Leader, Mr Nash welcomed the opportunity for the local community to have a voice on Reef related issues.
“ The Reef is critical for its environmental values, and because it provides the basis of many economic, social and cultural pursuits in the region. It’s also the reason many of us choose to live in this beautiful part of the world ,” he said.
“ Committee members are deliberately sought from diverse backgrounds including agriculture, conservation, commercial and recreational fishing, business and local government .
“ The group has a number of newcomers and I look forward to hearing their views. I’m confident we’ll be able to represent the Cardwell and Hinchinbrook communities well .”
The Hinchinbrook committee will cover the area between Tully Heads in the north and Balgal Beach in the south.
It includes experienced members who have returned for another three-year term, and eight new members who bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Established in 1999, the committees meet five times a year and undertake regional environmental projects.
Committees operate in the Cape York, Douglas, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Townsville, Bowen-Burdekin, Whitsundays, Mackay, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone and Burnett regions.
Earlier this year, there was a call for residents along the coast to nominate for the committees.
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Dredging Today Staff, August 8, 2012; Image: westernbasinportdevelopment