Reef Guardian Councils programme progresses to protect our precious oceans

Livingstone Shire Council continues to show its support towards protecting one of the world’s most precious natural assets – the Great Barrier Reef – after taking part in the Reef Guardian Council Steering Committee meeting in Cairns earlier this month.

Mayor Bill Ludwig, who was appointed to the original steering committee to establish the Reef Guardian Councils programme in 2007 and is a board member of Fitzroy Basin Association, attended the meeting which was held to further develop the programme.

“The meeting was a positive step towards understanding what opportunities are available for our Council as we look towards the long-term sustainability of protecting our oceans now and into the future,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“The Capricorn Coast is the gateway to some of the most naturally breathtaking locations within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, so it’s extremely important that Council supports endeavours to preserve the natural ecosystem for future generations to enjoy, while also enabling tourism growth. However, this can only be achieved by ensuring these areas are protected and properly managed.

“Council is proud to show its ongoing support of this programme and firmly understands the pivotal role our Council can play in addressing threats and empowering the community to help improve the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mayor Ludwig said some of the initiatives currently being undertaken at a local level in Livingstone included the Habitat Stepping Stones Programme, Yeppoon Urban Stormwater Drain Management project, Livingstone Community Nursery, QCoast2100 Programme, Australian Marine Debris Initiative and Zero Carbon Livingstone, as well as several other initiatives. Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrades in Yeppoon and Emu Park will also see Livingstone move towards achieving a target of 100 per cent reuse of effluent and waste water.

“Council has also participated in a large number of environmental clean-ups across Livingstone in partnership with community organisations such as Capricorn Coast Landcare Group, Capricornia Catchments and Tangaroa Blue Foundation,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“Council is also involved in a range of community-focused activities to promote the preservation of our natural environment including the Fig Tree Creek Sister Catchment Project, in partnership with Capricornia Catchments and the Sunshine Coast Rivers Initiative, Community Environmental Education and Stewardship project, and environmental education tours for schools and community groups among many other annual events and activities.

For more information on the Reef Guardian Council Programme, go to http://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/988/Reef-Guardian-Council-Programme