Stretching from 20° to 10° at the northern tip of Queensland the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world.  Unfortunately, in 2016 a large bleaching event has damaged a significant portion in the far north creating a scare that our Great Barrier Reef may soon be a memory for those of us who have had the opportunity to enjoy its delights.  A portion of the GBR near our home was decimated when Tropical Cyclone Debbie cut a swath of destruction through the reef and islands, to hit Airlie Beach in late April 2017.  It will be interesting to monitor the nearby reefs to see how quickly it can recover.

Where we live in the Whitsunday Islands the GBR is just few nautical miles further east of the Islands and is home to many amazing fish, corals, sharks, whales and simply weird and wonderful creatures. It is very important to the future of our Nation to preserve and maintain this amazing ecosystem.  You can do your bit by reducing the use of plastic, fossil fuels and toxic chemicals thereby obtaining a healthier and more ecofriendly way to live.