Cassowary Coast in Action- 2024 Reef Guardian Progress

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Published
6th December 2024

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is proud to be one of 19 local governments participating in the Reef Guardian Councils program. This collaborative initiative brings together local councils within the Great Barrier Reef catchment to ensure that local efforts play a key role in protecting and managing the Reef and its surrounding communities.

The Reef Guardian Councils Grant Program runs over 3 years from 2023-26 enabling Reef Guardian Councils to deliver shovel-ready projects and activities that help improve the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. In 2023/2024, Council committed to a range of strategic actions designed to minimise environmental impacts and contribute to the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.

Key Achievements for 2023/2024

Council’s action plan has seen a wide variety of environmental initiatives come to life over the past year. Here are some of the standout accomplishments:

  • Collected 3.5 tonnes of marine debris over six community beach clean-up events across the Cassowary Coast Region.
  • Solar Power Infrastructure installation currently underway at Cardwell Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Innisfail Shire Hall.
  • Sealing and stabilising 2km of Blackman and Warrami Roads to prevent an annual loss of more than 200 tons of sediment out to the reef.
  • Seagrass Restoration collaborative efforts in Mourilyan Harbour, led with James Cook University (JCU) and Traditional Owners.
  • The Kurrimine and Cowley Foreshore Management Plan adopted in September 2024 to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection in these key beachside communities.
  • Warrina Lakes Wetlands Restoration planning underway for the rejuvenation of the wetland ecosystem.

Council is also working with Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), James Cook University (JCU), and Mandubarra, Goondoi Rangers to share knowledge and promote environmental stewardship.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council remains committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations through these vital projects and partnerships.

Funding for these projects has been provided to Cassowary Coast Regional Council from the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has also funded initiatives as part of our Reef Guardian Council Action plan.