Lyn Burke laying the wreath.

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Private Alex (Alexander) Bidice was born near Proserpine, Queensland about 1896. Sadly, it is not known who his parents were although it is believed his mother was part aboriginal. Alex enlisted in Townville 10 December 1915 alongside friend, William Joseph Fry, their enlistment papers revealing almost identical answers. He did not give any next of kin, however later a note stating ‘Reports to Mr J Fry, Victoria St Mackay Qld’ was added.  

Alex Bidice was assigned to the 2^nd reinforcements of the 47^th Battalion leaving Sydney 20 April 1916 on the troopship, Hawkes Bay. By 3 June 1916, the 47^th sailed from Alexandria to Marseilles then marched into Outterstsene and Merris, continuing their training there.  

Early in August 1916, the 47^th Battalion took up positions at Pozieres where they came under heavy bombardment. On 8 September 1916, Alex was transferred to the 12^th Training Battalion in England before returning to France on 25 September 1916.  

Having survived the carnage of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm, Alex went on to endure the bitterly cold winter of 1916 –17. Like many, he developed trench foot and was evacuated to England for treatment. He wrote to the Fry family from hospital to let them know he was “getting on alright”.

Alex went on to serve in Belgium and was wounded at Messines in June 1917. He was taken to a nearby casualty clearing station and treated for shellshock, returning to his unit in time to take part in the attack at Passchendaele Ridge.  

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Private Alex Bidice was killed at Passchendaele on 12 October 1917, aged 21. On that day, the 47^th Battalion lost 13 officers and 292 men from other ranks.

Alex never saw his friend, William Fry, again. Assigned to the 52nd Battalion, Fry had been killed in action at the battle of Messines Ridge. Their bodies were never recovered, and today, their names are listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, along with the names of more than 50,000 others who have no known grave.

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The army advertised in the local paper for any relation of Alex to come forward. Alex had left a will leaving everything to his friend’s sister, May Fry, Banana Pocket, Proserpine but that did not satisfy the army so all of his possessions and medals were returned to store and marked as untraceable.  In July 1955, Sarah Alexandra May Lilly (nee Fry) applied to the AIF through Macrossan & Amiet, Solicitors, Mackay in an attempt to collect his personal effects and medals – but without success.  

On 4 April 1920, John Fry of Mackay (listed as Alex’s next of kin) filled out a Roll of Honour circular for him, attaching a note advising the army of what he knew about Alex. In part he stated, ‘that he (Alex) hardly remembered his mother as she left him when very young as she was a half caste aboriginal but we have no knowledge of the father.’  

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Thanks to the Fry family, Alex’s name was included on the wall at the memorial in Canberra. This year, his name will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Hall of Memory on April 30 10.57pm; June 7 10.07pm; October 1 3.07am and December 22 10.03am.            

More than a century after the deaths of Alex Bidice and William Fry, local historian, Lyn Burke, travelled to the Australian War Memorial in 2022 to lay a wreath in their honour at a Last Post Ceremony commemorating Pte Alex Bidice, one of more than 1200 Indigenous Australians who enlisted during World War One.  

Today, Private Alex Bidice’s name is also now listed on our local cenotaph, alongside that of his friend, William Fry.

This year, Alex Bidice’s name will be projected onto the exterior wall of the Hall of Memory at these times: -  

April 30 10.57pm; June 7 10.07pm; October 1 3.07am and December 22 10.03am.                    

Lest we Forget

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information sourced from Lyn Burke. Photos sourced from Australian War Memorial.  

The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis for the theme ‘Off the Beaten Track’. Elise’s photo is of a night under the stars which, was taken in Morgan, South Australia.  

Next week’s theme is ‘Vintage’. Budding Photographers can enter by joining the Whitsunday’s Amateur Photographers group on Facebook.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers

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Scott AKA Dr Morrissey – hard at work. Photo supplied

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Residents of the Greater Whitsunday Region are no stranger to the burden of box jellyfish. They have no brain; they pose a deadly threat and have been nearly impossible to detect in the water – at least until now.  

Growing up in Bowen, Dr Scott Morrissey’s passion for marine life was fostered by the town’s beautiful beaches and the opportunities they provided for underwater exploration.  

“I spent as much time as I possibly could underwater. I wanted to learn as much as I could about what I was seeing,” Scott said.  

With a robust education courtesy of Bowen State High School, Scott was able to foster his passion for marine life.  

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“Chemistry is okay but it’s like cooking to me. Physics was too much math. Biology was what I really enjoyed. It’s about building an understanding of how everything works together and why things are happening in the environment. It’s great learning biology because you can go outside and apply what you’ve learnt immediately. It definitely resonated with me.”  

Scott’s classic North Queensland grievances towards the threat of box jellyfish influenced a unique study path that eventually led him to producing groundbreaking research.  

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“Box jellyfish are a huge pain in the backside, especially in summertime when you want to snorkel. The more I looked into jellyfish, the more I realised we actually know very little about them considering the threat they pose. So thought it would be a pretty coolplace to start asking questions.”

Following his undergrad studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Scott pursued further studies through a PhD leading to monumental research breakthroughs in the realm of jellyfish.  

“Jellyfish are basically invisible in the water. We know very little about what causes them to appear, when they’re going to appear and how many of them will be there. I wanted to try and create a new way to be able to detect them.”

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Scott applied general characteristics of biology to investigate the phenomena further.  

“When animals move through an environment, they leave behind their DNA in the form of things like skin, snot or blood. It’s like how forensic scientists scan for DNA at a crime scene. Our method is quite similar. We take two litres of water and filter it down, leaving us with a soup of DNA that’s been left behind by all animals in the area. We search through that and look to see if there is any jellyfish DNA and we use that as a means of detection.”

This research will aid in risk management and monitoring safety around beaches.  

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“The more we understand about them and what they’re doing – the better equipped we are to assess and manage risk. With normal species there is so much information related to population figures and movement that we don’t have with jellyfish. If we’re able to fill in that gap of knowledge, then we will have a complete understanding so that we can actually forecast likelihood of jellyfish in the area with greater accuracy.”

The research is will also have broader application on both national and international levels.  

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“We’ve been working with another group in Western Australia. They also have really nasty Irukandji jellyfish that love to sting tourists. We’ve been able to apply the technology to that species and it’s starting to be picked up internationally. There’s work being done in Thailand. The hope is we can continue the research and start looking at things such as are box jellyfish moving South.”

Scott shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to consolidate his work.  

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“I would love to be able to conduct our lab work on site to reduce delays. If we can test the water straight away, then we can get an answer on site in three hours as opposed to the three to four days it would take in a lab. I would love to get the process down to an hour or even 45 minutes. It would be great to even develop some sort of user-friendly tool that anyone could use.”

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Scott expressed gratitude to the support he’d received for his work.  

“I need to say thanks to Lions Australia, they fund 99% if this research.”

The Bowen and greater Whitsunday community look upon Dr Morrissey with pride and keenly anticipate the amazing work he will no doubt continue to do.

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ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as a time for us, as a community, to pause, reflect and come together.

Across the Whitsundays, services will be held in towns and communities from Bowen to Proserpine, Airlie Beach to Collinsville, and in our smaller rural areas. These gatherings are a chance for all of us to stand side by side and honour those who have served our nation and those who never returned.

As Mayor, I have the privilege of representing our community at these services, but ANZAC Day belongs to everyone.

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It belongs to the families who have carried the legacy of service through generations. It belongs to the veterans who continue to serve our community in different ways. And it belongs to every resident who takes a moment to remember the sacrifices that have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

Here in the Whitsundays, service and sacrifice are not distant concepts, they are part of our local story. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, from the Pacific to more recent conflicts, generations of Australians have answered the call to serve including men and women from right here in our region.

This year, we also recognise the theme “Women in Service”  acknowledging the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and supporting our communities.

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Among them are people like Commander Natasha Burney, who has ties to the Whitsunday community and served in Afghanistan — a reminder that the ANZAC spirit lives on in people from communities just like ours. 

Their stories remind us that the ANZAC spirit is not something distant, it is part of who we are as a community.

ANZAC Day is also about connection.

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Standing shoulder to shoulder at a dawn service. Watching the march. Sharing a quiet moment with family, friends and neighbours.

These traditions matter.

They ensure that the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women is never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted.

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Bring your family. Bring your children. Help pass on the meaning of this day to the next generation.

Because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about ensuring those stories and values continue into the future.

This ANZAC Day, let’s stand together as a community, united in respect and gratitude.

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Lest we forget.

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Whitsunday Chamber President Allan Milostic Photo supplied

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Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the region’s business community at a roundtable with the Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, alongside the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, peak state and national industry bodies, and regional Chambers of Commerce.

The roundtable provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, bringing forward real-world examples and discussing targeted, practical interventions to address both the short- and long-term impacts of the current fuel situation. The Chamber’s focus was clear: ensuring a strong regional perspective was part of the conversation.

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Being at the table means more than representation, it’s about shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with decision-makers, the Chamber ensures local priorities are heard, understood, and acted upon for the benefit of the entire Whitsundays community.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said it was critical the region remains at the forefront of discussions.

“These conversations are where real advocacy begins. Being part of these discussions ensures the concerns of our region are not only heard but can be elevated at both state and federal levels where decisions are made,” he said.

Data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95% of Queensland businesses reporting impacts, and more than 70% experiencing major or severe challenges.

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Allan said the situation is rapidly escalating for regional communities.

“We are hearing from businesses experiencing supply chain challenges more significant than those during COVID lockdowns. Flights into the region are being reduced, impacting both tourism and freight. At the same time, consumer confidence is being reported lower than during COVID, affecting discretionary spending and travel commitments, with a noticeable shift toward online purchasing,” he said.

“The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.”

Locally, the impacts are being felt across all sectors, with flow-on effects for businesses, workers, and the broader community.

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The Chamber is encouraging practical, community-led responses:

• Shop local first to keep the regional economy viable.

• Take a measured approach to fuel purchasing to avoid unnecessary strain on supply.

• Maintain critical services such as public and school bus networks.

• Support young people, trainees, and apprentices to access transport to work.

• For businesses to seek professional financial advice and be cautious of predatory lending or quick loan offers.

The Chamber is also reinforcing key advocacy priorities, including:

1. Fuel security — addressing both pricing and supply, including sovereign capability and international supply chains, to ensure certainty for agriculture, tourism, health, and transport sectors.

2. Access to reliable, real-time information — including clear, centralised public reporting to support informed decision-making at a regional level.

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Have Your Say

To strengthen its advocacy, the Chamber is calling on regional businesses to share their experiences.

Businesses are invited to complete a short survey to help inform ongoing advocacy efforts and ensure the real impacts of the fuel crisis are clearly communicated to all levels of government.

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Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A historical landmark, this monument will soon celebrate it’s centenary year. Photo source: Facebook  

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On ANZAC Day 2026, the Bowen Cenotaph (War Memorial) will commemorate 100 years since it was unveiled. The Cenotaph rises from Herbert Street, with its sandstone digger standing sentinel over a memorial, erected by the people of Bowen a century ago to remember those who died in World War One.  

The memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1926 by Mr Forgan Smith M.L.A.  

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Additional names were added at a later date to remember those killed in World War Two and the Vietnam War. According to ANZAC Square, the plaque lists the names of 53 WWI soliders, 28 WWII soldiers and 4 Vietnam War soldiers. It was built by A.L Petrie & Sons.

The memorial has been restored and the original marble plaques have been replaced by black granite plaques. It originally featured a clock tower, however the clocks were damaged in a cyclone in 1958 and have not been replaced.  

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The front inscription states:  

Erected by the citizens of Bowen,

In honour of those who fell in the Great War 1914-1919.

Their name liveth for evermore. We shall remember them.

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On ANZAC Day there will be a Dawn Service at 5.45am at the Cenotaph and a march at 9am from the RSL to the Cenotaph for service.  

Regina the turtle has been rescued and treated following boat strike & ‘float’ disorder. Photo source: Facebook  

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Last week, local conservation group Eco Barge took a turtle named Regina into their care following months long surveys from dedicated Hayman Island staff. Regina caught a free ride on the ferry and came into the care of the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.  

Regina is currently suffering from float, a disorder in which turtles are unable to submerge properly and become stuck floating at the surface of the water. She is also recovering from a partially healed but visible boat-strike injury to her shell. Regina is the largest turtle in Eco Barge’s care and carries great wisdom from her 50 years of living.  

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“A massive thank you to all the helping hands from Hayman Island Staff that went to great lengths to rescue Regina and bring her into care,” the team shared.  

“We’ll give Regina some rest and refuelling in our centre and hope to have her swimming back around the beautiful Hayman Island in no time.”

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Here’s to a speedy recovery for this wonderful animal.  

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Val and Michael Kimpton, Elizabeth Hackett Photo supplied

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The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the peak body for Queensland’s tourism sector, acting as the ‘Voice of Tourism’. It advocates for tourism, hospitality, and event operators, focusing on policy development, research and business mentoring to ensure long term sustainability is achieved.  

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QTIC celebrated 25 years of advocacy on the 14^th April supporting the Tourism Industry. This milestone was marked by a sell-out luncheon at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane. This special networking Event celebrated the people, partnerships and dedication that have helped shape the Queensland tourism and events industry.

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There were many inspiring speeches by our tourism leaders including the Hon Andrew Powell MP. The Q & A segment chaired by their CEO, Tash Wheeler and formerly CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, was one of the highlights.

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The Whitsundays were well represented by our CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth, Tourism Whitsunday Board members Elizabeth Hackett, Daniel Gschwind and Tom Young together with members Michael and Val Kimpton representing the award winning Airlie Beach Triathlon in the Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton

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The wreckage at Rose Bay is to be cleared by an out-of-town contractor this week after months of local volunteer action.

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The announcement of a government-funded removal of boat debris strewn across the Whitsundays by Ex-tropical Cyclone Koji caused controversy last week, with locals calling for transparency as to why local towing companies were not consulted by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to take away the vessels.  

When out-of-town corporation Clayton’s Towing announced they had been engaged to remove the vessel 7 Wonders from where it had been decaying on Bowen’s Rose Bay, locals sparked into conversation, asking the question: Why was a local business not called upon to take care of the refuse?  

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Darren Foster from Whitsunday Moorings & Marine Construction explained his frustration.  

“During the last cyclones, the locals got a lot of work.” He said.  

“Debbie, Louie, you know, all the big ones, the locals worked together. We got the job done. And it's just very unusual that, for whatever reason, there was no consultation with any of the local providers at all.”

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“Generally, there's two ways that tenders go out. One, they go out for public tender, and it's just listed on a public tender site. When the tenders go out, we put in a price, and depending on whether or not we're competitive, we get it. In this case though, it appears that itwent out to a very closed group of tenders.

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“There are local companies perfectly capable of undertaking the lifting and removal of those wrecks. After an event like [Ex-tropical Cyclone Koji], we all suffer financially because of the loss of tourists in the area. And when there's less tourists in the area, our clients have got less money to pay us, so we suffer as well.  

“MDive, the company that have secured a lot of the work, are a Gladstone based company, who are looking to establish themselves here in the Whitsunday. We don’t hold any problem with that. However, a fair playing field would be a nice place to start.”

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David suggested this wasn’t the first time local companies had lost out on work within the region.  

“I personally assisted local senior parks rangers to develop the terms of reference to allow the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority to release the maintenance of the Whitsundays Public Moorings to private companies for tender. 

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“Not once in 16 years has a local company won that tender. Despite the fact that the local tender was cheaper and had very high experience in moorings repairs and maintenance.”

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David Edge from David Edge Marine Contracting added to the conversation, calling on the government to explain the salvage decision.  

“Overlooking local operators has happened in the past with MSQ, [for example] a vessel lodged in the mud at Cannonvale a few years ago, where MSQ gave the job to a Townsville company to salvage at a cost of $1.7 million with no tender issues, which we were more than qualified to perform,” he alleged.

“Before the state became involved, we quoted the vessel’s owner $90,000 to float the vessel.”

At the time of print we are waiting for a comment from MSQ.

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Abandoned and left to rust. Residents say this vehicle is just one example of ongoing dumping issues at Adelaide Point Boat Ramp. Photo credit: Kari Ravizza

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A growing pattern of holiday dumping has left residents at their wits’ end after yet another abandoned vehicle was left at Adelaide Point Boat Ramp, just south of Bowen town centre.

Over the long Easter weekend, residents woke to find that instead of chocolate eggs, someone had dumped an abandoned, rusted fibreglass boat at the ramp, stripped of parts and filled with old, worn-out tyres.

"I was very disappointed to discover somebody had dumped a boat and old tyres at the creek landing during the night - this is vandalism,” expressed Adelaide Terrace resident, Lyndy McCathie.

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An eyesore to say the least, the vessel joins another abandoned vehicle dumped over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, which, despite being reported to authorities, remains at the boat ramp.

Jamie Volker, who has lived on Adelaide Terrace for several years, said he’s frustrated by the ongoing issue and believes installing an additional skip bin could help curb the amount of rubbish being left along the road, noting that some people travel from Bowen and Airlie Beach to dump waste instead of taking it to the tip.

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“Very little action has been taken and we’re frustrated and annoyed,” said Mr Volker.

“I’ve personally cleaned up rubbish that has been dumped at the end of Adelaide Point Road as well as the boat ramp several times and all this illegal dumping makes our little community look bad.”

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Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential environmental impact, with dumping materials such as tyres and fiberglass posing risks to local waterways and marine life.  

Whitsunday Regional Council confirmed they’re aware of the abandoned vehicle, and Council’s Local Laws Officers conducted two official inspections on both Friday, 10 April and Monday 13 April. A request has since been made for a towing contractor to remove the vehicle to Whitsunday Regional Council’s impound yard.

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“Once a vehicle or vessel is deemed abandoned, Council coordinates removal to the impound facility where it remains until they are either reclaimed by the owner or disposed of in accordance with Council’s Abandoned Vehicle Auction process,” said a Whitsunday Regional Council spokesperson.

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“At this stage, aside from the vehicle, there is no evidence of unlawful dumping occurring in the area. Council encourages the community to report any suspected illegal dumping as soon as possible so action can be taken promptly.”

Residents are urging those responsible to be held accountable and are calling for stronger action to prevent further dumping at the popular local spot.

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Image from Pexels

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The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has given approval for another set of traffic lights in Cannonvale, 500 metres from where the last set was installed on Shute Harbour Road near Whitsunday Plaza. Councillor Clay Bauman took to Facebook this week, reigniting the traffic light vs roundabout debate.  

“We all know traffic volumes have increased as our region continues to grow. The question now is whether the solutions being delivered are the right ones for long term safety, flow and liveability.”

A Council spokesperson stated that ultimately this is a TMR decision although the topic will come before Council for debate and a vote in the coming weeks.

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A simple act of kindness has highlighted the quiet generosity that exists within the local community, after a Jubilee Pocket woman was helped home by a stranger when she needed it most.

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Jacqueline Brooks found herself stranded at the Friendly Grocer in Jubilee Pocket with a flat phone and no way to organise transport. It was then that a kind-hearted woman stepped in, offering her a lift home without hesitation.

Despite the stressful situation, Jacqueline said the woman’s willingness to help ensured she made it home safely.

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“I haven’t been able to retrieve her contact information. If you are this beautiful woman, I would just like to say thank you so much,” she said.

The thoughtful gesture has left a lasting impression, serving as a reminder of the strength of community spirit in the region.  

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Though the woman remains anonymous, her actions speak volumes, offering help not for recognition, but simply out of kindness.

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Mayor Williamson, Carmel Baretta, and Leo Baretta.

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Hundreds of community members gathered in Mackay’s city centre on Saturday for the official unveiling of three life-sized bronze statues honouring Maltese pioneers who helped shape the region’s history.

The statues of Emmanuel Camilleri, Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo now stand proudly on the corner of Wood and Victoria streets – a location long known locally as “Maltese Corner”, where migrant businessmen would regularly gather to talk, support one another and build their futures in Mackay.

The project, delivered by the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc, recreates a historic photograph capturing the men meeting at the site, symbolising the spirit of collaboration that helped generations of migrants establish themselves in the region.

On Friday, 17^th April, a day prior to the official unveiling, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the statues recognise the enduring contribution of Maltese migrants to the region’s identity and economy.

“Tomorrow we are unveiling three magnificent statues here on the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets,” he said ahead of the event.

“This particular corner was where the Maltese guys sat around, just like a little piazza in Malta. They sat here waiting for the banks to open – probably waiting for the pub to open as well – while their wives went shopping and they did their business.”

Mayor Williamson said the tribute reflected Mackay’s long-standing connection with Maltese settlement.

“Mackay is recognised as the heart of Maltese settlement in Australia,” he said.

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“The Maltese have done a fantastic job in our community for decades and decades, and this is a tribute to those who helped build our sugar industry and our region.”

The project has been largely community-funded, with the Maltese Association raising more than $250,000 towards the statues, supported by about $45,000 in council grants.

For Carmel Baretta, president of the Maltese Corner Fundraising Group, the unveiling marks a rather emotional sentiment.

“In 2001, a friend and I published a book on the Maltese pioneers of Mackay,” Ms Baretta said.

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“While we were working on that book, I was aware of Maltese Corner and asked a photographer to quietly capture a photograph of the men meeting here because they gathered regularly.”

That image later became the inspiration for the statues.

Ms Baretta said the corner held significant historical meaning for the community.

“The greatest significance is that these people helped others become established,” she said.

“And it wasn’t only Maltese helping Maltese,” Ms Baretta said.

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“Some Italians were involved, some returned soldiers were helped, and some local people from Mackay as well.”

The initiative also honours the legacy of the Mosta Building Society, established in 1966 as a result of the cooperative financial support that began on the corner.

The statues themselves were created by local sculptor Kay Payton, chosen after extensive research into bronze works across North Queensland.

“We decided Kay Payton was the ideal person, primarily because she was local and because she is so gifted,” Ms Baretta said.

“She was just absolutely fantastic to work with.”

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With the statues now permanently installed, organisers hope the site will encourage residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect and learn more about the community stories that helped build Mackay.

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With ANZAC Day approaching, locals gathered at Proserpine Cemetery on Saturday 18^th April to pay tribute to the nearly 400 service men and women laid to rest there; a local tradition organised by Lyn Burke which is now in its eleventh year.  

The event saw flags placed beside the graves of veterans, including Boer War veterans, Gallipoli survivors, Rats of Tobruk, Prisoners of War, Commandos & many more.

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Aquarium Coral Photo supplied

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Flying under the radar is a little-known fishery that operates within one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems: coral harvesting. 

Many Australians would be surprised to learn that the Great Barrier Reef supports the country’s largest coral fishery. Each year, up to 190 tonnes of coral are removed from the Reef, much of it destined for the domestic and international aquarium trade. Among these are some of the Reef’s most unique and visually striking species—highly prized, yet ecologically vital. 

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The Great Barrier Reef is often celebrated for its beauty and biodiversity, but it is also an ecosystem under immense stress. Climate change has driven increasingly frequent and severe mass bleaching events, while cyclones and flooding have compounded the damage. Together, these disturbances have contributed to some of the most significant declines in coral cover ever recorded. 

Against this backdrop, the harvesting of live coral raises difficult questions. Many of the same species targeted by the Queensland Coral Fishery are those already vulnerable to bleaching and mortality. Removing healthy corals from the ecosystem can reduce the Reef’s natural capacity to recover from disturbances, potentially undermining broader conservation and restoration efforts. 

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This creates an apparent contradiction. Governments have invested heavily in protecting and restoring the Reef, funding initiatives aimed at improving water quality, supporting coral regrowth, and enhancing resilience. Yet, at the same time, a regulated industry continues to extract coral from the wild. 

To be clear, the fishery does not operate without oversight. Strict quotas, spatial zoning, and licensing conditions are in place to manage harvesting. Exceeding quotas or collecting coral from protected “green zones” can result in significant penalties. 

Enforcement, however, remains an ongoing challenge. In 2016, the first prosecution for illegal coral harvesting since the 2003 rezoning plan occurred in Gladstone, where divers were caught collecting coral in a no-take zone. Since then, there have been more than 20 prosecutions linked to illegal coral collection within the marine park, many involving commercial operators. 

Such incidents raise concerns about the industry’s “social licence”—the level of public trust and acceptance it holds. Increasingly, reef tourism operators, scientists, and environmental groups are calling for tighter restrictions, with some advocating for a complete ban on wild coral harvesting. 

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Despite this, the fishery continues. In 2024, it received federal approval to operate for another three years. Authorities have indicated that a revised ecological risk assessment and updated harvest strategy will be completed by 2026, potentially shaping the industry’s future.

That future may lie beyond the Reef itself. Aquaculture—growing coral in controlled tank environments—has long been promoted as a sustainable alternative. It offers the potential to supply the aquarium trade without removing corals from the wild, easing pressure on an already stressed ecosystem.

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As the Great Barrier Reef faces an uncertain future, so does coral harvesting. For many, the answer is clear: the Reef’s corals are far more valuable alive, thriving in their natural habitat, than they are as commodities.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council

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