The LNP has committed to a conservation and education package that would include permanent moorings off a conspicuous island.
The Opposition stated that $1 million in funding would lead to the installation of moorings off Mudjimba Island, which would protect the nearby reef from anchor damage.
Related story: Call for moorings off iconic island to protect reef
Funds would also go towards the fitting of remote sensing research buoys, in a proposed partnership with educators and researchers.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the ‘Protect Mudjimba Island’ package was a win for the environment and education.
“In partnership with educators, researchers, divers and everyone who loves this area, this package will help protect the environment and also provide a world-class experience for aspiring young marine biologists to access research opportunities on their doorstep,” she said.
“Students and researchers, including citizen scientists, will be better able to study one of nature’s wonders just off our coastline, either by remotely accessing the data from the research beacons or diving on the reef in person.
“The moorings will provide greater protection to the coral than the current reef markers, as boats will be able to use them to safely moor.
“The public will still have access.
“However, the expansion of the project to include remote monitoring buoys, research and links to education facilities is about growing the next generation of marine biologists.
“The remote sensing buoys are capable of testing water quality and other environmental factors, as well as providing vision.”
The funding was welcomed by community stakeholders, including advocate and local scuba instructor Captain Gordon Scott.
“This announcement is about bringing our ecosystem back,” he said.
“While there is still great beauty there, it has been degraded and we want to ensure we have our beautiful coral, fish, turtles and other marine life for ourselves and future generations.
“I’m excited that, through this project, there will be better management and environmental protection using practical means but also working with schools and educators.
“This project funding will mean better management, and education and research which supports marine conservation and tourism jobs.”
Turtle researcher and scuba instructor of 36 years Karen Anderson also welcomed the announcement.
“This initiative means there will be better protection for coral, turtles and people using the area,” she said.
“It’s a great step forward in merging the environment and the community together.
“This area has produced some amazing creatures that I have not seen anywhere else in Australia.
“The coral is spectacular in places: there’s a lot of colour and structure.
“The turtles use the area for getting clean – there’s a turtle cleaning station – and it is also a feeding and mating area for the turtles around the island. It’s very special.”
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
