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UNESCO’s draft decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as an ‘in danger’ World Heritage site demonstrates its faith in Queensland and Australia’s long-term ability and commitment to effectively manage one of the world’s natural wonders, according to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the decision will be the right move and acknowledged Australia’s strong credentials as an effective environmental manager but that we now needed to implement the plan and deliver on the trust placed in us as guardians of the Great Barrier Reef.

Gschwind stated “the Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan, along with numerous other reef research programs and initiatives, demonstrates that Queensland and Australia takes the protection of the Great Barrier Reef seriously but we have to do more.

“If the UNESCO draft decision is accepted it will give us a chance to demonstrate our long-term commitment to address the significant issues that affect the future of the reef.

“The Great Barrier Reef is the jewel in Australia’s tourism crown. The tourism industry understands this and will continue to make a significant contribution to its long term protection.

“Queensland reef tourism operators are at the front line of reef protection, actively working with researchers and reef management agencies to monitor, report on and protect the reef’s health. In this way, tourism plays an essential part of the reef’s survival.”

Gschwind said a decision to list the Great Barrier Reef as an ‘in danger’ World Heritage site would have been “catastrophic” for Queensland’s tourism industry, effectively discouraging tourists from visiting and threatening the future of many reef research and monitoring programs.

He added “it’s clear that the world is watching how we manage the Great Barrier Reef and this should inspire our efforts to ensure it remains a natural wonder that will inspire and delight generations well into the future.”

Tourism is Queensland’s second biggest industry worth $23 billion, and directly and indirectly employs 230,000 Queenslanders.

Key industry figures will address the decision by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee at a QTIC event, the Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef: The World’s Best Address forum on Friday 5th June.

The forum, which coincides with World Environment Day celebrations, forum will feature a keynote address by Dr Steven Miles, Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and Great Barrier Reef.

Also addressing the forum will be:

• Peter Gash, Managing Director, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
• Dr Ian Poiner, Chair, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
• John Schubert, Chairman, Great Barrier Reef Foundation
• Russell Butler, Bandjin traditional owner from Hinchinbrook Island

Click here to visit the QTIC website. 

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31st May 2015 - NORTH QUEENSLAND TOURISM WORKS TO PROTECT GREAT BARRIER REEF

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15th January 2015 - CALL FOR NEXT QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE MOST OF MAJOR TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

2nd June 2012 - UNESCO REPORT SLAMS GREAT BARRIER REEF MANAGEMENT

11th August 2009 - HARM TO BARRIER REEF WOULD COST TOURISM $37 BILLION 

28th April 2009 - FITZROY ISLAND RESORT GOES INTO RECEIVERSHIP

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