Calls to make 'mind-blowing' Sunshine Coast coral reef a marine reserve
The Queensland government will create up to 15 mooring points near Mudjimba Island, off the Sunshine Coast, so boaties can visit without their anchors damaging the coral beneath.
However, there are no restrictions on anchoring in the area.
The campaign for the mooring points has been supported by councillors, divers, regular visitors and Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson.
The moorings were an election promise by the LNP while in opposition last year and are fully funded in this week's Budget.
Ms Simpson said they were a "great example of environmental tourism" and would be installed over the next 12 months as weather allowed.
"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," she said.
Jodi Salmond, of environmental charity Reef Check Australia, said anyone seeing photos of Mudjimba Island corals without knowing the location could easily assume it was the Great Barrier Reef.
"We actually have a beautiful mix of both soft corals and hard corals that are growing there," she said.
University of Queensland Associate Professor Chris Roelfsma was part of the team that explored Sunshine Coast reefs through COVID lockdowns, only to discover they were far bigger than expected.
"The reef is mind-blowing — there's so much coral," he said.
Ms Salmond said the moorings would make a big difference but designating it a reserve would give the reef permanent protection.
"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."
Ms Salmond said legislation would determine restrictions at the reserve, but making it a no-fishing area "would be fantastic" and most likely increase the numbers of fish in surrounding areas.
The idea also has support from Sunshine Coast councillor Joe Natoli.
"There are no marine parks from, basically, Moreton Island [off Brisbane] all the way through to the Sandy Cape," he said.
"Creatures need areas where they can basically replenish in stock and, as a fisherman, I know that … Sunshine Coast fish stocks are dwindling."
Dr Roelfsma said, while anchor damage was obvious, there were no indications of over-fishing on the reef just yet.
But he said banning fishing from the reef would be worthwhile.
"It's also been shown if one area is protected really well, it has a flow-over on other areas."
Ms Simpson said introducing restrictions to protect the reef would be a "conversation further in the future".
"In time, with the pressure that we're seeing upon a lot of our environment, that may be something that comes," she said.
"I don't think it's appropriate to go and just say you're going to impose it without that conversation.
"It's very important that people know there's continued access to this reef."
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