Jakarra joins watch over the Great Barrier Reef

A state-of-the-art patrol vessel, Jakarra, will today officially join the fleet of vesselspatrolling the Great Barrier Reef to crack-down on illegal exploitation of protected marine areas between Cardwell and Cooktown.

Acting Premier and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said the $521,000 custom-built has been jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

“Nothing will escape this incredibly maneuverable vessel which is just as fast on the open sea as it is in shallow waters, earning it the name ‘Jakarra’ which means sawfish in the language of the Yirriganydji people of Cairns,” said Mr Pitt.

“This 10.6 metre rigid hull inflatable boat will be used by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service joint Field Management Program to rapidly respond to incidents in the Marine Park and undertake surveillance operations.

“Jakarra has been tried and tested and has exceeded all our expectations so far, so for the crew, jobs will be safer, easier and a lot more effective."

Sea trials in September returned impressive results.

Cairns MP Rob Pyne said Jakarra runs at approximately 24 knots and has a top speed of over 40 knots.

“It also has exceptional range and can travel to Townsville and back and still have a little left in the tank,” Mr Pyne said.

“It even has overnight accommodation on board, so it’s a truly impressive vessel.”

Jakarra carries up to eight people and will enable more staff to be in the field to survey reefs and islands, deliver conservation actions, respond to incidents, maintain visitor facilities, and uphold compliance with Marine Park zoning rules.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said on-ground and on-water work was vital to protecting the immense biological, cultural and heritage values of the Reef.

“The vessel fleet is part of the $17 million State-Federal GBR field management program. The program covers a 348,000 square kilometre area that stretches approximately 2300 kilometres and contains about 1050 islands,” Mr Crawford said.

“Approximately 100 rangers and support staff drive the day-to-day implementation of this program, delivering on-ground conservation outcomes and targeting illegal activities within protected marine areas.”

The Jakarra replaces the Crikey and complements 20 other vessels in the Field Management Program, including the primary vessel, the 24 metre Reef Ranger.

Acting Premier’s Media Contact:   0419 945 546

Cairns MP Rob Pyne’s Media Contact:  4229 0110

Barron River MP Craig Crawford’s Media Contact: 4229 0100