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Celebrating the naming of the John Büsst Reefs at the weekend. Photo: Reef Ecologic
More than half a century after he helped save the Great Barrier Reef from mining and oil drilling, pioneering conservationist John Büsst has been honoured with two reefs off Mission Beach named in his memory.
The John Büsst Reefs, located east of Ellison Reef off Bingil Bay, recognise the remarkable contribution of the artist, architect and environmental campaigner whose determination helped change the course of Australia's conservation history.
The naming was celebrated over the weekend with two events organised by Reef Ecologic, bringing together scientists, conservationists and community members to reflect on Büsst's legacy and the continuing importance of protecting the Reef.
The first, a commemorative gathering on Friday 6 November at Ninney Rise, Büsst's former home at Bingil Bay. The second event took the celebrations offshore, with a citizen science snorkelling and diving expedition to the newly named reefs and nearby Ellison Reef – the very place where Büsst's historic campaign began.
Reef Ecologic CEO and marine scientist Dr Adam Smith, who nominated the reefs for naming, described the recognition as a wonderful full-circle moment.
"This is more than a name on a chart. It recognises a man whose voice helped bring the plight of the Great Barrier Reef to national attention, and the coastline he loved and worked to protect," Dr Smith said.
Büsst, sometimes referred to as the 'Bastard of Bingil Bay' by his opponents, was instrumental in opposing limestone mining and oil exploration during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1967, he spearheaded a campaign against plans to mine Ellison Reef for agricultural limestone, rallying scientists, conservationists and community volunteers. Working alongside prominent figures including poet Judith Wright and ecologists Len Webb and Geoff Tracey, he helped build a national movement to protect the Reef.
The Save the Reef campaign generated more than 4,000 letters sent around the world, helping create the momentum that eventually led to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act in 1975. Sadly, Büsst never witnessed that achievement. He died in April 1971 while preparing evidence for the Royal Commission investigating proposed petroleum drilling on the Reef.
For the Mission Beach community, the John Büsst Reefs are more than names on a nautical chart. They are a lasting tribute to a local conservation pioneer whose courage and persistence helped protect one of the world's greatest natural wonders for future generations.
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