3 our cairns coast Our 126km of coastline (excluding inlets and islands) largely defines the identity, lifestyle and livelihoods of our communities. From the World Heritage listed natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest, to our beaches, rivers, inlets, wetlands, creeks, estuaries and offshore islands, our outstanding coastal landscape is one of our most valuable natural assets. Our region is home to 9,000 species of coral, birds, fish and marine life in the Great Barrier Reef; 61 rare or threatened plant species; and 787 native wildlife species1. Our coast also has a rich cultural heritage tied to the traditions and spiritual beliefs of our Traditional Custodians and First Peoples. 1Cairns Regional Council website ‘Statistics & Facts’ 2 blog.id.com.au/2020/population/population-trends/the-50-largest-cities-and-towns-in-australia-by-population-2020-update 3Cairns Regional Council - Living in Cairns booklet 4 Queensland Government, Wetland Info 5 ABS, 2016 Census QuickStats: Cairns LGA 6 .idcommunity Cairns Regional Council economic profile
our cairns coast adapting for the future 6
