About 130 people from the CQU Community Program and Rockhampton 60 & Better organisation recently travelled to Gladstone by bus for a tour of the Gladstone Harbour on the well-appointed barge The Curtis Endeavour.

The tour was organised by Glenys Kirkwood and Reegan Bickey from the CQU Community Program.

Dr Peter Stratford, from the Centre for Environmental Management based at the Gladstone Campus, spoke at length about the research undertaken in the harbour by the Environmental Management team. From the water, the extent of the heavy industry surrounding the harbour and the need for constant monitoring of water quality was obvious.

Dr Stratford brought along various interesting specimens to allow for a close-up look at some of the marine life his department works with and, during the morning, two pods of dolphins swam alongside, delighting the participants and emphasising the success of the environmental management in place.

Photo above: (From left) Des Browne, President 60 & Better organisation, Mrs Jean Offord, tour participant, Dr Peter Stratford.

Photo below: Just some of the 130 participants enjoying a perfect day on the water.