This month, the Queensland government announced an ambitious plan to create up to 15 mooring points around Mudjimba Island. This successful program seeks to prevent further destruction of the fragile marine environment by boat anchor damage. The Liberal National Party (LNP) enshrined this new project as a top election promise while in opposition last year. It’s great to see that it is now fully funded in the current Budget. Installation of the new moorings is anticipated to begin within the next 12 months, depending on weather conditions.
Local member of parliament for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, brought attention to the importance of these moorings. They serve as pillars for both environmental preservation and tourism economies. She noted how much locals understand the significance of Mudjimba Reef. They have been instrumental in advocating for safe mooring alternatives to anchor-on-damage.
“The locals already know how great it is and they’re the ones who suggested that we have these moorings as safe places to have boats, to be able to visit and not rip up the coral with their anchors.” – Fiona Simpson
Environmental Impact and Support
The new mooring points are expected to have a big impact on maintaining the quality of Mudjimba Reef. Dr. Chris Roelfsma, a researcher who’s studied the area’s reefs noted that anchor damage is still evident on the reef today. Fried Turtles “This initiative is a welcome step in the right direction in the effort to protect important marine environments that biodiversity depend on.
Local councillors, divers, and regular visitors are growing in support of the new moorings. They’re promoting more protective measures. For these reasons, Jodi Salmond, policy director at Reef Check Australia, is thrilled by the new moorings. She argues that declaring Mudjimba Reef a marine reserve would guarantee permanent protection for this important ecosystem.
“Mudjimba most definitely should be a marine reserve, especially considering that we have so many animals that visit that area, as well as people.” – Jodi Salmond
Her second priority order of business, Salmond added, is the picturesque fact that Mudjimba Island’s corals may seem like those on the Great Barrier Reef. They feature a dazzling array of both hard and soft corals. She emphasized the ecological importance of this area. It is home to some of the highest levels of hard coral in southeast Queensland.
Future Conversations about Conservation
Debates over the future of environmental protections continue to escalate. Despite their political differences, both Simpson and Salmond are keen to introduce stronger protections for Mudjimba Reef. Salmond acknowledged that creating a no-fishing zone would almost certainly increase fish stocks in areas around it.
“Making it a no-fishing area would be fantastic.” – Jodi Salmond
Simpson suggested that discussions around stronger protections would take place down the line. She pointed out that existing efforts are making an impact. If so, they may just be the introduction of a longer dialogue on how to protect this irreplaceable underwater paradise.
“In time, with the pressure that we’re seeing upon a lot of our environment, that may be something that comes.” – Fiona Simpson
Dr Roelfsma was in favour of greater protections for Mudjimba Reef. He stressed the importance of a timely conversation on that future. We need to build better strategies to save areas with beautiful coral reefs and amazing biodiversity.
“Where you have beautiful coral and beautiful reefs like this one off Mudjimba, there needs to be a conversation about how well and how much it needs to be protected.” – Chris Roelfsma
Community Engagement and Awareness
The campaign to gain mooring points and additional protections at Mudjimba Reef has seen excellent community engagement. Local divers and environmental advocates have rallied behind the cause. Their work highlights the growing desire for tourism that is respectful of our natural resources and protects public access to those resources.
Engaging visitors in conservation efforts is paramount. Restoration, he said, was about reconnecting people with the natural world. When realized, these connections can foster a broader appreciation and therefore stronger protection for these vital places.
“We’re not trying to make people stop visiting these areas because we really believe that it’s that true connection with water and nature that means people feel a need to protect and appreciate those areas.” – Jodi Salmond
In addition to advocacy and direct action, some preparations are already underway for installing mooring points at Mudjimba Reef. Now, stakeholders are hopeful that these new measures will protect the delicate habitat that makes up the reef and help support sustainable tourism across the region.
