Reef Guardian Program

Local schools across the Cassowary Coast are helping to protect the Reef through classroom projects, recycling programs, and citizen science.
Students explore topics such as waterway health, caring for Sea Country, waste management and biodiversity while connecting with their local environment.

 Get involved:
Visit the Reef Guardian Schools map to find participating schools or learn how your school can join the program.

Example activities:

• School waste audits and recycling initiatives

• Reef and rainforest art projects

• Tree planting and beach clean ups

• Student participation in coastal and or water-quality monitoring

The Eye on the Reef program, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), helps track the health of the Reef through observations from scientists, rangers, tourism operators and community members.

Local residents, fishers and snorkellers can contribute by reporting sightings of coral bleaching, marine animals or other reef changes using the free Eye on the Reef app. Every report adds to a live database that supports reef management and research.

Eye on the Reef

View recent sightings

Council also uses data from eReefs, an online system that combines satellite imagery, field monitoring and models to track water quality and ocean conditions across the Reef. This information helps guide local planning and coastal management.

Explore eReefs

Each year, Cassowary Coast residents roll up their sleeves to remove marine debris from local beaches, estuaries and islands.

These efforts are carried out in partnership with Traditional Owner groups that care for Country across the region, alongside organisations such as the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and Parley Australia. Together, we’re working to stop debris from entering the Great Barrier Reef and protect the coastal habitats that sustain our communities, culture and wildlife.

Council proudly supports and encourage these clean-ups and other coastal stewardship activities that help protect the Great Barrier Reef and our local environment.

 Upcoming events
Keep an eye on Council’s social media for upcoming clean-ups, or contact Council’s Environment and Sustainability team to find out how you can get involved.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is proud to be part of the Reef Guardian Council network, taking local action to protect one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems — the Great Barrier Reef.

Through our Reef Guardian Action Plan, reviewed annually in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), we deliver on-ground projects and community programs that reduce local pressures on the Reef and strengthen environmental stewardship across the region.

Our work includes:

• Marine debris removal – coordinating coastal clean-ups and supporting community-led waste reduction initiatives.

• Habitat restoration – revegetating coastal dunes and riparian zones to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

• Education and partnerships – working with schools, community groups and Traditional Owner organisations to build local capacity for Reef stewardship.

• Sustainable operations – improving waste, water and energy management across Council facilities and programs.

Recent actions have included expanding vegetation buffers along key drainage lines, installing interpretive signage at popular beaches, and running workshops on sustainable land management for residents and tourism operators. Council also works closely with Traditional Owner rangers on coastal restoration and turtle monitoring projects.

You can explore our Reef Guardian Action Plans and resources below to learn more about our progress and upcoming priorities.