The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is calling on the Federal Government to back a $163 million plan to protect the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Thirty-eight Queensland councils have today launched the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan, which outlines a suite of sustainable measures to secure the future of the reef.
The call for the Federal Government to partner with Queensland councils to deliver the Plan’s five key initiatives is part of the LGAQ’s Federal Election campaign.
“The Local Government Association of Queensland, on behalf of Reef councils and their communities, is seeking funding to deliver practical initiatives included in the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan – a suite of practical initiatives that empowers Reef councils to accelerate their efforts in protecting the Reef,” said LGAQ President, Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett.
“Councils are looking to the future – which is why we can-not continue to see funding models of the past hold back our communities,” President Burnett said.
“Councils are doing what they can, but more support is needed to protect and preserve the Reef for future generations.
“With the support from the Federal and State governments for initiatives contained within the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan, together we can ensure this vital and iconic environmental system remains a global treasure.”
LGAQ chief executive officer, Alison Smith said the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan offered practical initiatives that empower Reef councils to accelerate their efforts in protecting the Reef.
“Councils and their communities cherish the Reef – for the natural wonder it is but also for the economic benefits it provides for so many communities,” Ms Smith said.
“Councils are determined to help this global treasure on their doorsteps but as the level of government that receives the least funding – just three cents in every dollar of tax received -they need financial support for these effective and sensible measures.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillor and Chair Reef Guardian Councils Executive Committee, Jeff Baines said Reef councils were the single largest investors in actions contributing to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Together we are appealing to our Reef protection partners, the State and Federal governments, to support the practical initiatives that will allow us to accelerate protection of this iconic environmental system”, Councillor Baines said.
“Protecting and preserving the Reef is a collaborative effort – we need coordination between all stakeholders to deliver on the improved outcomes for Reef health we need to see – the need is urgent.”
The Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan is a plan that will overcome existing barriers to create a better ‘business as usual’ for our Reef councils and their communities, delivering lasting benefits to the Reef through five initiatives:
- Climate Risk and Resilience – mitigating and adapting to local climate-related impacts and risks ($14m)
- Cleaner Stormwater -reducing water quality risks associated with urban stormwater management ($5.26m)
- Cleaner Wastewater – reducing water quality risks associated with wastewater management ($101.25m)
- Cleaner Road Runoff – reducing water quality risks associated with unsealed roads ($12.27m)
- Healthy and Resilient Landscapes – protecting and restoring the environment and local landscapes ($30.25m).
More details on the LGAQ’s campaign can be found here.
