Dive into the science protecting the Reef at the Bundaberg Show

The Great Barrier Reef will be on show at the Bundaberg Show this week [31 May – 2 June] with a focus on encouraging people to help protect this international icon.

Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles said Bundaberg was selected as the first destination for the Reef Think Tank on its regional roadshow tour.

“Bundaberg marks the southern-most point of the Great Barrier Reef and we want to connect with as many people as possible who live in catchments that flow to the reef,” Mr Miles said.

“Two consecutive years of coral bleaching has taken its toll on the reef. However, the southern area has been the least impacted by bleaching and coral is making a strong recovery.

“While efforts to reduce global climate change are underway, we are focused on improving the quality of water flowing to the reef and building its resilience.

“This educational display, which has been developed in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, aims to raise understanding of the key threats facing coral reefs and how we can help address them.”

Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson praised the Great Barrier Reef Foundation for partnering with the Palaszczuk Government to help educate the community about the ways in which they can protect the reef.

“Our aim is to give the public the tools to start their own conservation journey,” Ms Donaldson said.

“Small everyday actions such as using fewer chemicals and fertilisers - and reducing, reusing and recycling - can have a huge impact on our national treasure particularly when hundreds and thousands of people follow suit.”

The display will appear at eight regional and south-east Queensland community events over the next three months including the Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Pine Rivers and Royal Queensland Show in Brisbane.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said the display would show Queenslanders how their everyday actions, such as saving energy and recycling, can help keep the reef great.

“The reef is Australia’s greatest natural wonder and we all share responsibility for its future,” Ms Marsden said.

“We are also thrilled to be able to offer everyone who comes to see the display a chance to win a once in a lifetime research expedition to the Great Barrier Reef with marine biologist and Emmy Award-winning ocean cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick.

“Everyone who completes our reef scientist quiz will go in the draw to win and also find out more about what makes our reef great.”

Entries in the online reef scientist quiz, which tests people’s knowledge of what is great and not great for the Great Barrier Reef, close on 1 October 2017.

The Bundaberg Show runs from 31 May to 2 June and more information is available at http://www.bundabergshow.com.au/. The reef scientist quiz is also available online at www.barrierreef.org/great.

ENDS

Media contact: Alison Brown - 3719 7336