Public gets a say on reef health

JAMES Cook University social science researchers are asking Australians for the best options to restore the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The project is part of a government- sponsored initiative focused on local- scale restoration and assisted recovery techniques such as algae removal, the cultivation of coral or other interventions.

Senior lecturer in political science at JCU Dr Maxine Newlands said it was important to know what the public wanted to see from a project of this size.

“We know from previous research that the Barrier Reef is the most inspiring Australian icon, even more so than the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Public interest in the GBR is intense and it is very important, probably more so than with any other project of this type, that the public is involved with what we are doing,” she said.

Dr Newlands said the team would go beyond simply talking to experts.

“It will certainly not be a closed shop of scientists and academics. We will be seeking out and speaking with all stakeholders, so that means tourists, tour operators, fishermen – anyone who has an opinion they want heard,” she said.