The Australian and Queensland governments have welcomed QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO as the incoming Chair of the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel.
The panel provides independent advice to government on a range of issues including emerging scientific matters for the Great Barrier Reef, its health and long-term sustainability.
It also helps with supporting advice for the Reef 2050 Plan, the Australian and Queensland government's overarching framework for protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef to 2050 which is jointly delivered in collaboration with local governments, Traditional Owners, researchers, industries and communities.
Professor Sheil said she looked forward to providing expert scientific advice to government as part of the long-term sustainability plan for one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
Professor Margaret Sheil AO
“Already this year we have seen back-to-back cyclones compound the many challenges facing our Great Barrier Reef," Professor Sheil said.
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Independent Expert Panel as part of the Reef 2050 Plan to put our best scientific minds together to guide governments in the restoration and preservation of the Reef into the future."
Professor Sheil was jointly appointed by the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, and the Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, the Hon Leanne Linard, following the retirement of former
chair, Professor Ian Chubb, in mid-2023.
“I’m delighted to welcome Margaret into this important role, and I look forward to working alongside her, Minister Linard and Senator Green,” Minister Plibersek said.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a global icon that is part of Australia’s cultural and natural identity.
“Reliable, high-quality and independent science advice, alongside First Nations knowledge, is crucial to ... help better protect the Reef."
Minister Linard said the Independent Expert Panel would provide the necessary scientific and expert advice to support the Reef 2050 Plan as well as associated initiatives like the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan.
"Professor Sheil has previously provided advice to government on national science priorities and has chaired high-profile committees and I look forward to working with her and the rest of the Independent Expert Panel to ensure the protection of our unique and much-lived Reef."
In 2023, Professor Sheil led a comprehensive review into the Australian Research Council to help grow knowledge and innovation in Australia and strengthen research excellence.
“The strength of this research excellence can be seen in the Australian scientific community’s commitment to the care and protection of the 2900 reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef," Professor Sheil said.
“Australian researchers lead the world in innovative reef research with current advances in coral rubble stabilisation, coral adhesion and reef shading all helping to reverse coral damage and to protect this precious marine environment."
Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, also welcomed the appointment.
"Professor Sheil's broad and extensive experience in senior scientific leadership roles comes at a pivotal moment for the future of the Reef and the Independent Expert Panel will go from strength to strength under Margaret's leadership," Senator Green said.
Professor Sheil will take over from Dr Russell Reichelt who has served as the interim chair of the panel since July 2023.
Media contact:
Debra Bela, 0412 417 552, debra.bela@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
