The unique coral ecosystem around Mudjimba Island will receive a major boost if the LNP is elected on October 26.
The LNP has committed to a $1m conservation and education package, which will deliver permanent moorings to better protect the coral around the island from anchor damage as well as install remote sensing research buoys in a proposed partnership with educators and researchers.
LNP 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,” Ms Simpson 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 has been welcomed by community stakeholders, including advocate and local scuba instructor Captain Gordon Scott.
“This announcement is about bringing our eco-system back. 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,” Mr Scott said.
“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. It’s a great step forward in merging the environment and the community together,” Ms Anderson said.
“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 protection initiative will allow research and education while still ensuring there is public access in a way that is sensitive to the environment.
Underwater Footage available on “The Mudjimba Island Group”, Facebook group administered by Karen Anderson.
Authorised F Simpson. 1b 148 Horton Pde Maroochydore Q 4558
