Great Sandy Region a world treasure
Posted by editor (editor) on May 29 2009
2009 >>

Southern Queensland’s Great Sandy Region has been put in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon and Uluru as a unique world environment Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor was welcoming the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) announcement this week that the Great Sandy Region was now considered an internationally significant biosphere following a rigorous approvals process.

“Gympie, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Fraser Island residents should feel extremely proud to live in the ‘Great Sandy Biosphere’,” he said.

“There’s no doubt this recognition will raises the profile of the area in national and international nature-based and ecotourism markets as it puts it in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon and Uluru.

“Aside from containing the world’s largest unconsolidated coastal sand mass, the Great Sandy Region is also home to the world’s only vertebrate life forms that live in sub-tropical swamps.

“The region contains 40 percent of the world’s perched lakes, most of its complex rainforest growing in sand and its habitats support populations of many native Australian species which have considerably declined in other parts of the country.

“It’s also home to a large population of dugongs, migrating humpback whales and birds, and provides an important breeding ground for ocean turtles.”

Mr Lawlor said the Great Sandy Biosphere was Queensland’s second UNESCO biosphere – the first being Noosa.

“Biosphere reserves are recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program as distinctive ecological regions that demonstrate innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development,” he said.

“The Great Sandy Region was awarded the title out of a pool of 35 nominations from around the world.

“Aside from increasing environmental and sustainability awareness, the new name for the region will act as a status symbol, potentially increasing tourism to the region.

“800,000 domestic and 200,000 international visitors went to the Fraser Coast region in 2008, supporting 7000 Queensland jobs.

“The Queensland Government is committed to increasing tourism and will continue to work to ensure the future of Queensland’s tourism industry remains bright.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 2:59 PM