CRC REEF PROMOTES INTERNATIONAL REEF CENTRE FOR TOWNSVILLE

Townsville was positioning itself to satisfy world demand for technical and management expertise on coral reef systems, said the incoming head of the CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd Dr Russell Reichelt.

Dr Reichelt takes up the position as CRC Reef Chief Executive Officer after five years as Director of the Australian Institute of Marine Science located just south of the city.

Townsville was already the global centre for expertise in tropical marine environmental science and natural resource management and education, Dr Reichelt said.

It was the natural place for non-government (NGO) and intergovernmental bodies, like the United Nations, to develop projects with a regional focus, he said.

"CRC Reef member agencies such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, James Cook University and Department of Primary Industries, are leading the world in their ability to meet industry and community needs with supporting research," said Dr Reichelt.

"NGOs and UN groups are beginning to recognise that they could get their work done more efficiently out of a centre of marine excellence, which the CRC and its members provide in North Eastern Australia.

"We are working to have a 'Marine Project Activities Centre' set up within twelve months to accommodate between ten and 20 international representatives who are interested in tapping into local research and experience."

Destructive fishing methods involving poisons and explosives, the effects of unchecked terrestrial activities and population and other pressures were creating the demand for research and scientific management skills in many tropical regions, Dr Reichelt said.

"Well managed coral reef tourism is the best way to conserve these valuable resources by providing alternative industries," he said.

Apart from the high quality research and management expertise, CRC Reef has marine park tourist operators and both commercial and recreational fishing interests investing in and advising the Centre. "There is worldwide interest in how Australia has managed to get world class research, world class education and industry and community users together in the Cooperative Research Centres system," Dr Reichelt said. "We are the only country that is doing it effectively."

"CRCs are a great model for promoting research that is useful to society. They also promote an entrepreneurial spirit."

Attention News Editors Chiefs of Staff: Dr Reichelt will address a press conference, 10:30 AM Tuesday 1 August, at the CRC Reef board room in the Sir George Fisher Building on JCU Campus (map reference building number 32). For further information ring Media Liaison Robert Dark on 0417 623 156.