Forever Reef Project applies for permit to setup coral reef ark

Plans have been lodged for a “world-first” coral ark biobank, education and research centre on land owned by the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation. Full details here.

Great Barrier Reef Legacy has applied to Cairns Regional Council for a permit to setup an aquaculture operation in Stratford on land owned by Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation. Picture: Supplied

A “a world-first” coral ark biobank, education and research centre is planned for land in Stratford on land owned by the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation.

Earlier this month the Forever Reef Project applied to Cairns Regional Council for a material change of use permit at 23 Johnston St and 22 Magazine St.

The proposed development forms part of the Forever Reef Project and would function as a prototype or pilot for the First Nations Living Coral Biobank Hub Network, according to planning documents.

State-of-the-art aquariums will act as life-support systems for coral at the proposed aquaculture setup. Picture: Supplied

The project’s mission is to collect all 415 Great Barrier Reef hard coral species and conserve them in state of-the-art aquarium facilities for the long-term conservation of coral biodiversity.

“This initiative combines scientific and aquaculture-based marine research with traditional owner knowledge systems to build a scalable and culturally grounded model for community-led reef conservation and education,” the development application reads.

A space created by a steel-framed awning structure spread over two modified shipping containers will be fitted out with purpose-built aquariums, solar powered filtration and life-support systems to sustain corals, anemones, fish and crustaceans.

“The central area between the containers will be used as an outdoor education and interpretation space, shaded by the solar-integrated awning,” the development application reads.

An image of the Port Douglas facility presentation area was included in the development application. Picture: Supplied

“This space will accommodate guided tours, workshops and public presentations, designed to engage visitors with the Forever Reef Project and its conservation objectives.”

Plans for the creation of a coral ark, according to the Forever Reef Project, will offset the decline of biodiversity and coral cover due to worldwide climate change.

Amenities such as toilets and a small mobile kitchenette are also planned for use by operational staff, researchers, and visitors.

The application to council claims the project is a “unique opportunity to establish a world-first marine conservation and education hub”.

The development is described as low impact without the requirement for earthworks, vegetation removal or major civil infrastructure.

The proposed Cairns facility would complement an existing living coral biobank operating from the Port Douglas Superyacht Marina.

Plans for the reef conservation project coincide with Dawul Wuru celebrating the opening of new premises in Stratford on July 25.

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Originally published as Forever Reef Project applies for permit to setup coral reef ark