Join the Reef Authority’s Tourism Reef Advisory Committee

• We are recruiting several members to join our Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) for a three-year term (2026–29).  
• People with a range of industry backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including regional economic development, ecotourism and nature-based tourism, vessel charter operators, bareboat operators, Indigenous tourism, Reef traditional owners, pontoon operators, sailing and cruising yacht operators, cruise shipping and island resort operators.  
• Members are remunerated through a sitting fee and, where required, travel costs are covered by the Reef Authority when associated with Committee meetings.  
• TRAC meetings take place three times each financial year and a minimum of six times across the term. Meetings are held both virtually and in-person.  
• The first meeting of the term will be held mid-August 2026 in Townsville; physical attendance is required.
• Current members are welcome to reapply.  

Eligibility requirements and skills

• Knowledge and involvement in the Reef tourism industry  
• Ability to advise on the development and implementation of strategies, plans and policies to ensure ecologically sustainable tourism within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park  
• Assist the Reef Authority to consider Reef tourism industry issues and facilitate engagement  
• Strong relationship building skills, including advising and recommending strategies to strengthen partnerships with the Reef tourism industry, Traditional Owners, government and Reef dependent industries, strong communication skills
• Previous involvement in community engagement
• Applicants must be over 18 years old

Location

Preference for Queensland based applicants. Targeting Great Barrier Reef Catchment.  

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed based on merit and experience. Committee composition will be considered to achieve a diverse member base. Successful applicants may be required to undergo a police check and reference checks.  

What we offer

An opportunity to make a positive generational impact by informing and providing advice on the care and management of the Great Barrier Reef

Sitting fees, and, where required, travel costs, associated with Committee meetings.

Access to information on Marine Park management and a collaborative networking group. 

How do I apply?

Please complete the application form and include a resume. Please provide two references as part of your application.

What are the membership requirements?

Appointments to the Committee are competency-based, and consider experience, knowledge, skills, relationships, and networks. All Committee members are expected to adopt a broad perspective on Committee business. You must also be over 18 years of age, from Queensland, and preferably from within the Great Barrier Reef catchment area.

Can current or former TRAC members apply?

Yes, we welcome former or current members to re-apply to the Committee. Reappointments will be considered in line with the TRAC Charter.  

How many positions are available?

Several member positions are available and in line with the Charter, we are looking to appoint a diverse and balanced membership base.

Who do I contact if I want more information?  

Please send an email to: rac-secretariat@gbrmpa.gov.au.  

What is the selection process?

Applications will be reviewed by the Reef Authority with appointments approved by the Marine Park Authority Board. References may be completed by the Reef Authority to complete the application process. Successful candidates will be notified via email.  

What other requirements should I be aware of?

TRAC members must declare any potential or material conflicts of interest by completing a form when submitting their application. Members may be required to undergo a policy check and further clearances at the discretion of the Reef Authority.

What involvement does TRAC membership require outside of committee meetings?  

Members are required to prepare for meetings ahead of time, including reviewing meeting papers and associated materials. Members are encouraged to keep track of relevant discussion topics, both industry and Marine Park management issues and opportunities particularly in relation to tourism, raising relevant items with the Chair through the Secretariat for consideration at meetings (agenda items). Members are required to adopt a broad perspective on matters relevant to management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  

What does TRAC membership mean for my organisation?  

By being part of the TRAC, you will have the opportunity to contribute to Marine Park management and benefit from networking opportunities. If required, your organisation may need to support your appointment (if you are being appointed in the capacity of representing the business). 

Tourism Reef Advisory Committee Members

The Tourism Reef Advisory Committee is a competency-based committee with members providing a cross-section of stakeholder expertise and interests in areas relevant to tourism on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Mr Daniel Gschwind (Tourism Reef Advisory Committee Chairperson) - Board director, including Tourism Whitsundays and Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, tourism business experience and acumen state-wide, nationally and internationally.
• Mr Tony Charters - Ecotourism, environmental education and recreation programs. Tourism research, policy and strategic planning. Tourism certification and quality assurance.
• Mr Travis Clarke - Large multifaceted marine tourism management including pontoon operations. Cairns/Cooktown Management Area.
• Ms Jan Claxton - Owner operator, high standard ecotourism operations – Cairns/Cooktown Management Area and Townsville/Whitsundays Management Area.
• Dr Terrence Cummins - Sustainable business management, particularly scuba and snorkeling tourism – Cairns and Far Northern Management Areas.
• Captain Mike Drake - Cruise ship operations – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and internationally.
• Ms Jenny Edmondson - Owner operator, high standard tourism operator, research and coral planting - Cairns/Cooktown management area.
• Mr Peter Gash - Commonwealth Island ecotourism operations – Mackay/Capricorn Management Area.
• Mr Jeff Gillies - Director large global expedition cruise operator, regional tourism body director. Queensland wide management area.
• Ms Chrissy Grant - Aboriginal (Kuku Yalanji from the Jalunji-Warra clan) and Torres Strait Islander (Mualgal from Kubin on Moa Island) Elder. Cultural and natural resource management, particularly heritage management, conservation and protection.
• Ms Stephanie Hinks - Owner operator, small personalised tours, Master Reef Guide - Townsville/Whitsundays Management Area.
• Mr Craig Stephen - Large multifaceted tourism business operations live aboard dive tourism; President CHARROA, GBR/Coral Sea, mooring management – Cairns/Cooktown and Far Northern Management Areas.
• Mr Jason Moore - Large multifaceted tourism business operations – Cairns/Cooktown Management Area.
• Mr Gareth Phillips - Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO). Marine tourism business experience and acumen.
• Mr Trevor Rees - Association of Whitsunday Bareboat Operators. Tourism business owner Whitsunday Management Area.
• Ms Christabel Warren - Wuthathi Traditional Owner. Bama Connect Consultant – Owner Operator.
• Mr Mitchell Murphy - Chief Operating Officer of Hamilton Island Enterprises (HIE), Hamilton Island. Public and private sector experience, MBA qualified.

Government partners:

• Ms Racheal Klitscher - Great Barrier Reef tourism marketing, destination and experience development and major events.