The picturesque, turquoise-coloured water surrounding one of the most popular tourist spots in Australia is in danger of becoming murky and polluted, a new report warns.
Most waterways reviewed across the Whitsundays-Mackay region have received a moderate or poor rating in a pilot assessment carried out by a group representing the tourism industry, government and community.
The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership report card is of particular concern as the Whitsundays - more than 70 islands off the northern Queensland coast - are on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef.
Group chairwoman Di Tarte said the findings show more needs to be done to ensure the long-term health of the basins and estuaries in the region.
"While there are certainly areas in the region with encouraging results, there are also clear areas where improvement is needed, and some areas where we have no data at all," Ms Tarte said.
However, she said the report is a positive move towards improving the waterways as it highlights those areas where clean-up efforts need to be directed.
Environment Minister Steven Miles agreed more needs to be done, especially given the reef supports 70,000 jobs.
"The waterways around Mackay lead directly into the Great Barrier Reef, so it is paramount we understand whether they are healthy and identify where we should focus our efforts," Dr Miles said.
WWF-Australia said the health of inshore reefs, which received poor ratings for water clarity and pollution, were of particular concern.
"For some time tourism operators have raised the risk posed to their industry from declining water quality and this report vindicates their concern," spokesman Sean Hoobin said.
Mr Hoobin blamed the impact of dredging and fertiliser run-off and said water quality will continue to decline if the state and federal governments do not provide more funding.
Data from the report will influence water monitoring programs and management practices.
