Marine committee members wanted

WHITSUNDAY residents with an interest in the reef are invited to nominate to become part of the Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC).

Established in 1999, the LMACs along the Great Barrier Reef catchment area enable local communities to give valuable input into managing the marine park, as well as providing a community forum for interest groups, government and the community at large to discuss issues surrounding marine resources.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman, Russell Reichelt, said through the LMACs, GBRMPA had an opportunity to hear about local issues first hand from local community members.

“We want to hear a diversity of views and for that reason I strongly encourage community members interested in the reef and coastal catchments to nominate,” he said.

Recreational, charter and commercial fishing representatives are sought, as well as farmers, tourism operators, traditional owners, conservationists and other stakeholders with an interest in the reef.

The LMACs meet five times a year over the three-year term, providing opportunities to learn from different stakeholders and raise issues with reef managers.

Further details and nomination forms can be found at http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au or by emailing lmac@gbrmpa.gov.au.

Nominations close on March 20.