New artificial reefs to boost Wide Bay life
TWO new artificial reefs are being installed in the Wide Bay region, creating new havens for marine life.
As part of a broader $2.5 million Government project, purpose-built pyramid and bombora modules will be installed between Elliott Heads and Woodgate Beach and off Point Vernon near Hervey Bay.
Member for Hervey Bay David Lee said artificial reefs play an important role in safeguarding the environment.
“We know that if you look after the environment, it will look after you too,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re proud to deliver this project, which provides more habitat for marine life and boosts ecotourism in the region.”
“The Wide Bay region is fast becoming one of Queensland’s most popular diving locations with the ex-HMAS Tobruk attracting hundreds of visitors annually.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said he was proud to be part of a government that takes these ecosystems seriously.
“We are delivering a better plan for Queensland’s environment, ensuring it can be sustainably witnessed and wondered at for generations to come,” said Mr Bennett.
“The reefs will be in designated conservation park zones, which were carefully selected following extensive consultation with environmental groups, recreational fishing organisations, the commercial seafood industry, and the dive community.”
The artificial reefs are designed to mimic the characteristics of nearby natural reef structures by creating habitats for marine animals and forming self-sustaining ecosystems.
With much of the Great Sandy Marine Park’s seafloor being devoid of hard substrate, the new reefs will take around 18 months to develop, transforming into a thriving marine ecosystem that also creates fishing and diving opportunities.
Reef pyramid modules have already proven successful in the Great Sandy Marine Park, and are loved by recreational fishers, divers and snorkelers.
This project will also mark the first use of ‘Bombora’ modules in Queensland,
to be launched off Point Vernon following outstanding ecological results in Western Australia.
Both reefs have been designed to ensure habitat connectivity, creating the largest artificial reef footprint within the Great Sandy Marine Park.
The project will be delivered by Cyan Renewables, a global leader in marine habitat enhancement that has successfully installed 35 artificial reefs worldwide.
The installation will include 15 ‘Reef Pyramid’ structures at Elliott Heads and 88
‘Bombora’ modules at Point Vernon.
Cyan Renewables CEO Keng Lin Lee said the company is proud to contribute towards the enhancement of Queensland’s coastal ecosystems.
“Cyan’s engineered reefs are designed to promote marine biodiversity and create lasting underwater habitats that will benefit both marine life and local communities for years to come,” Mr Keng Lin Lee said.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, science and local communities collaborate towards a shared vision for healthier and sustainable oceans.”
“The reefs at Point Vernon and Elliot Heads will deliver measurable ecological outcomes while supporting regional sustainability and coastal resilience.”
