Burnett baffle Community Action Plan
2021 – 2023
Investment: $90,487
Funding body: Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Project purpose: To review and build upon previous plans, align with current national, state and local strategies, and to strengthen collaboration with Traditional Owners and community members to identify current local priorities.
Key achievements:
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- Development of a Community Action Plan
- 5 key priority actions outlined
- 5 events with 86 participants
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The purpose of this Community Action Plan (CAP) was to review and build upon previous plans, align with current national, state and local strategies, and to strengthen collaboration with Traditional Owners and community members to identify current local priorities.
These collective priorities addressed the need for creating a pathway for practical and effective on-ground actions that were achievable by community, while also supporting other stakeholders and funding bodies to better understand the needs of the community regarding reef protection in the Burnett/Baffle region.
The CAP has been developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners and diverse community stakeholders to capture the collective priorities for protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The CAP outlines the key priority actions identified by the community to enhance local Reef protection and outcomes through collaborative planning and on-ground action.
Priority Action Areas (or Strategies) were identified by community. Many are consistent with the protection of ecosystems to drive action that benefits all species.
These priority actions areas were:
- Protecting and restoring seagrass ecosystems
- Improving Mangrove ecosystems
- Implementing Cultural Burning practices
- Community focused education campaigns
- Protecting and restoring aquatic & riparian freshwater ecosystems
From these priority action areas, specific actions were identified with the aim of reducing threats and driving actions that protect the Great Barrier Reef in the Burnett Baffle region. These actions form the foundation for effective project implementation by community.
A copy of the Community Action Plan can we found at: GBRF Community Action Plan
On Ground Projects
Bundaberg 4WD - Driving in the Right Direction
This behaviour change campaign aims to enhance community knowledge and awareness of marine turtles and their cultural significance, increase community involvement in coastal and marine stewardship including youth, and reduce threats to marine turtles from impacts of 4WD behaviours on nesting beaches and marine debris working with Turtle Care Volunteers Queensland and Gidarjil Development Corporation at Wreck Rock.
Queensland Marine Turtle Network
The Queensland Marine Turtle Network (QMTN) was formed with a focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Its primary objective is to bridge knowledge gaps, unify efforts, and create a cohesive platform for initiatives across Reef regions in Queensland. By working together, we can enhance turtle conservation efforts and avoid duplication, contributing to a brighter future for these species.
2023 Queensland Marine Turtle Network Forum – Highlight Video
River Nations Indigenous Corporation's 'Measuring woolkoom-bool (seagrass) communities on the Kolan-Baffle coast
This project will co-design and implement an on-ground seagrass mapping program. Through workshops and on-ground activities, JCU and other tertiary institutions will provide training, upskilling, capacity building and logistical support to help us map seagrass in the coastal Sea Country and identify areas suitable for ongoing monitoring to help protect seagrass.
Program News
Program Sponsors
This project was supported by the following partners and investors.
