Project Blueprint is an innovative, collaborative initiative that brings together scientists, tourism operators, Traditional Owners, local communities, and Reef visitors to enhance understanding and stewardship of water quality in the Whitsundays. The program provides critical water quality data for high-priority tourism and ecological sites within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area while fostering community engagement and Traditional Owner participation.
Since its inception in 2020, Project Blueprint has addressed a significant water quality data gap by monitoring water clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and temperature at key tourism sites. This data, publicly available and incorporated into the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac regional Waterway Health Report Card, directly supports the Reef 2050 Plan and informs management decisions.
A key strength of the program is its emphasis on inclusive collaboration. Traditional Owners play a central role in Reef stewardship, contributing cultural knowledge, participating in monitoring, and engaging in capacity-building opportunities. Tourism operators are also integral partners, facilitating data collection and promoting conservation awareness among Reef visitors.
Project Blueprint exemplifies an holistic approach to environmental monitoring, blending scientific research, citizen science, public education, and Traditional Owner ecological and cultural knowledge to enhance waterway health and Reef protection efforts.