GREAT SANDY BIOSPHERE

• a majestic array of Geomorphologically related sandscapes of spectacular size, composition & beauty
• the World’s largest and highest perched dune lakes
• 7558 recorded species of Flora & Flora
• Major transitory point for Humpback Whales on their annual Southern migration
• Tallest and most complex rainforests growing on sand in the World
• 49% of Australia’s bird species
• Fringing coral reefs supporting hard & soft corals, colourful nudibranchs, and more marine fish diversity than the entire Great Barrier Reef
• Cooloola sandmass and Fraser Island oldest and largest unconsolidated sandmass in the world
• Major breeding site for endangered marine turtles
• Great Sandy Strait Ramsar wetlands – an important feeding ground for migratory shorebirds
• Contains Ancient Dune Chronosequencing – the best observable in the World
• Critical Habitat – for frogs adapted to acidic conditions
• Significant agricultural development
• Rapidly gorwing human population of 163000
• Environmental education programs
• Scientific research & monitoring programs
• “a place to keep special for our future generations”
   

Information courtesy of Burnett Mary Regional Group - Practical Solutions for Natural Resource Management

www.bmrg.org.au

“The nomination of the Great Sandy region as a Biosphere Reserve was a very important project for our non-government, community based group, and we were delighted that it was successful.  It reflects the desire of the people of our region to maintain ecological diversity, achieve truly sustainable development and encouraging more research, education and interest in this special part of the world.

I invite you to tour the Great Sandy region, experience some of its natural wonders, and share your ideas on how we can keep it special for all time.”

Russell Stewart

Chairman – Burnett Mary Regional Group