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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS AUSSIE ICONS22 April 2005
Today’s announcement of $40 million funding from the Australian Government to expand and build on vital research to protect the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest has been welcomed by CRC Reef Research Centre. “I would like to thank the Australian Government Minister for Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell for the generous funding which will support research that is vital to protect an icon of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef,” said Dr Russell Reichelt, Chief Executive Officer of CRC Reef Research Centre. Dr Reichelt applauded the Government’s initiative in creating the Commonwealth Environment Research Facility that absorbs and will build on the research base established by two Cooperative Research Centres for Reef and Rainforest. Dr Reichelt also applauded the commitment shown by The Hon Warren Entsch MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, in Cairns and Mr Peter Lindsay MP, Federal Member for Herbert in Townsville, in securing the funding. “Integration of the work of the two CRCs for the Reef and Rainforest into one world-class facility is a great move, because it encourages co-operation among the researchers, environmental managers and industries that operate in the Reef region. It will create a unique science hub for Australia. The funding will ensure that there is a smooth transition from the CRC system to the new research facility, and that critically important work will not be interrupted,” said Dr Reichelt. “The Great Barrier Reef is worth protecting,” said Dr Reichelt. “It is the largest coral reef ecosystem that has ever existed and is home to 1,500 species of fish, about 400 species of coral and a myriad of other plants and animals and supports valuable industries including tourism and fishing.” “This funding will ensure that we can better protect the Reef by working to better understand its intricate and vibrant communities, monitor its health and provide timely information for Reef managers such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,” said Dr Reichelt. “This exciting move to create a new research centre in Townsville and Cairns will enhance public knowledge of the importance of our unique environment and heritage and greatly benefit all North Queenslanders,” said Dr Reichelt. For more information:
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