Cape York NRM to lead Cape York Reef Community Action Plan
Cape York NRM to lead Cape York Reef Community Action Plan
Cape York NRM has been established as a Reef Community Action Plan Leader.
In partnership with South Cape York Catchments, Cape York NRM will host community consultations within the Bloomfield, Hope Vale and Cooktown regions.
Traditional Owner groups, local government, and the science and wider community will be engaged in the strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and celebration of projects that will contribute to the rehabilitation of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The Community Action Plan will also draw information from existing plans such as the Australian Government’s Reef 2050 Plan, the Eastern Cape York Water Quality Improvement Plan, and Traditional Owner group healthy country plans that are currently in development. Combined with the community consultations, the information will inform the creation of a robust and extensive Plan for the Cape York region, highlighting community aspirations for Reef protection.
Input from six Queensland regions will combine to create the state’s overall Plan that will identify shared goals for community Reef protection.
Michael Goddard, Cape York NRM’s Sustainable Agriculture and Water Quality Manager, said it’s important that the Cape has been included in this Plan.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with people on the Cape to identify key projects and develop a practical plan to strengthen and accelerate community Reef protection outcomes for the region”.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said the Great Barrier Reef is an irreplaceable ecosystem that can and must be saved for future generations.
“Our Reef is facing a growing combination of threats, with climate change and increasing water temperatures affecting coral health. That means we have to step up our response. We’re already making an impact, but there is a lot more to be done to save our Reef and its marine life,” Ms Marsden said.
“Regional communities are at the forefront of on-ground and in-water efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and these Plans will enable them to accelerate local Reef protection actions and strengthen connections with Reef science and management.
“Together with the community, we are the action station for the Reef, bringing together people and science to deliver the world’s largest coral reefs’ program and more than 60 Reef-saving projects.”
If you would like to provide input or discuss the Community Action Plan further, please contact Michael Goddard at michael.goddard@capeyorknrm.com.au
The Cape York Reef Action Plan is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and delivered by Cape York NRM with support from South Cape York Catchments.
IMAGE: ENDEAVOUR CATCHMENT, ARCHER POINT | PHOTO JESSIE PRICE-DECLE