Livingstone Shire Council Reaffirms Commitment to Reef Guardian Councils Program
Livingstone Shire Council is taking further steps to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef with the introduction of its new Reef Guardian Action Plan 2023-2026. The plan reinforces Council's dedication to environmental conservation and preserving the region's unique marine ecosystem.
Livingstone Shire Council has been an active member of the Reef Guardian Council program since its inception in 2006, solidifying its long-standing commitment to protecting and preserving the local environment and marine life. This collaborative stewardship arrangement between local governments and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (The Authority) comprises 19 member councils covering an expansive area of 300,000 square kilometers.
Councillor Clint Swadling, the appointed Reef Guardian Champion, highlighted the significance of the program in delivering on-ground actions to enhance reef resilience.
"We are proud to be one of the first councils to participate in the program, which supports our strong commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef," said Cr Swadling.
"Council acknowledges the deep and passionate connection our community has with the Reef, further strengthened by the stunning Keppel Islands, our thriving tourism industry, abundant fishing spots, and our profound cultural ties with Traditional Custodians of the land and sea country.”
The updated Reef Guardian Action Plan for 2023-2026 concentrates on addressing key threats to the Reef, including climate change, coastal development, land-based run-off, direct use, and reef heritage and social values. Council's initiatives align with these themes and encompass the implementation of strategies and plans such as the Our Living Environment Strategy, Our Living Coast Strategy, Shoreline Management Plan, and the Low Carbon Livingstone 2030 Strategy.
Council is actively engaged in significant projects aimed at protecting and enhancing terrestrial and coastal natural assets, such as the Eco-certified Tourism Destination for the Capricorn Coast and the Livingstone Nature Based Resilience projects, both made possible through external funding.
Council's commitment to the Reef Guardian Councils program is further reinforced by its collaboration with various community groups and organisations, consistently receiving feedback and support for its active participation.
Councillor Swadling emphasized Council's aim to empower the community, foster innovation and change, and increase awareness of the Reef's values and threats.
"Through the program, we strive to make a positive difference and actively involve our community in safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef," said Cr Swadling.
To support Council's ongoing efforts, the Australian Government has allocated $17.48 million over three years to the 19 Reef Guardian Councils for shovel-ready projects. These funds will contribute to protecting and enhancing terrestrial and coastal natural assets, reducing the carbon footprint, and driving positive environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Authority Assistant Director for Reef Guardian Councils, Rebecca Allen, said they are proud to partner with Livingstone Shire Council through the Reef Guardian Councils program.
“We recognise that local governments deliver many activities that support the objectives of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act and align with the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan,” Ms Allen said.
“Our Reef Guardian Councils are taking direct action to help protect the Reef, and it’s great to see this has been recognised in the recent Australian Government funding announcement.”
For more information on the Reef Guardian Councils program and to access Livingstone Shire Council’s Reef Guardian Action Plan 2023-26, please visit https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/reef