MUDJIMBA Island and its significant environmental assets will be further protected with the Crisafulli Government investing $1 million to deliver 23 moorings around the island, which will provide enhanced marine protection and contribute to safer eco-tourism.

The funding will also include a Mudjimba Island conservation and education package delivered in partnership with Meridan State College.

The contract to deliver the project was awarded to a small Queensland company, which will work with other local companies to ensure everything from steel fabrication to the deployment of the moorings will be delivered by Queensland-based operators.

The permanent moorings have been designed by engineers to suit local environmental conditions and will protect coral from anchor damage. There will be two different types of moorings installed, including 13 T-class moorings for vessels up to six metres and ten A-class moorings for vessels up to ten metres.

Made of large concrete blocks and polypropylene rope suspended off the seabed, the moorings will be installed in high-use areas outside the rocky reef to ensure maximum holding power.

The moorings will be free for skippers to use and are scheduled to be installed when the weather is most favourable throughout winter this year.

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, said the funding would support tourism, protect the reef and provide valuable research opportunities to study one of nature’s wonders just off our coastline.

“The protection of Mudjimba Island Reef is paramount and a priority for the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Simpson said.

“It is loved by our community, particularly divers and snorkelers, for being a premier place where they often encounter marine wildlife against an underwater backdrop of beautiful corals.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said this project was part of the Crisafulli Government’s visionary Destination 2045 tourism plan.

“This $1 million in funding for environmentally friendly moorings is a key part of our flagship tourism plan to supercharge the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Powell said.

“We want to make it easier for eco-friendly skippers to moor near the island while limiting any impacts on the environment.”