Reef Guardians

Mackay Regional Council is proud to be Reef Guardian Council delivering environmentally-sustainable practises in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

The Reef Guardian Council program is an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, aiming to protect and conserve the Great Barrier Reef for future generations by encouraging, promoting and recognising improved environmental practices by local government.

The Reef Guardian Councils program recognises that effective management and protection of the Reef requires a coordinated effort from our local industries, community and all levels of government.

Mackay is one of 13 councils between Bundaberg and Cooktown in the Reef Guardian Councils program. Together this covers a 300,000 km2 area and a population of almost 900,000 people.

As a Reef Guardian Council we have an important role in planning for sustainable population growth, approving environmentally-sound developments, and preparing the community for climate change impacts.

Why is Mackay Regional Council a Reef Guardian Council?

Mackay Regional Council is committed to helping to protect, conserve and enhance the values of the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. We recognise our role in helping to improve land-based management practices and how these actions will help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Examples of our actions as a Reef Guardian Council

Our actions as a Reef Guardians Council are leading to improved environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef, including improved water quality, and helping build the Reef’s resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

We are undertaking environmental initiatives in the following areas as part of the Reef Guardians Councils program:

Land management

Mackay Coasts and Communities Project

Find out more about how council works in partnership with Reef Catchments and the community to care for our coast

Water management

Erosion and Sediment Control Compliance Program

Find out more about how council is working to reduce sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff from development sites, building sites and council operations

Waste management

Littering and illegal dumping project

For more information on how council is working to reduce littering and illegal dumping, click here

Community education and capacity building

To find out more about the Watch the Flow of your H20 campaign and water restrictions in your area, click here

Climate change