Reef Keepers program invests $557,000 in vital reef conservation projects
As part of our pledge to contribute at least $50 per stay at Orpheus Island Lodge, Mt Mulligan Lodge and Beechmont Estate and at least $100 per stay at Pelorus Private Island, as well as the additional generosity of those who donated, we have contributed a total of $557,000 to vital projects supporting the Great Barrier Reef through our Reef Keepers program in the last financial year (23/24)
This funding underscores our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. Since its inception in2019, the Reef Keepers program has invested over $2.9 million in key initiatives. Discover all of the projects we are proud to have contributed towards in the last financial year below.
POLITICAL ADVOCACY FOR THE PROTECTION OF OCEANS
In general, there is a lack of awareness of the challenges faced by the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s ocean ecosystems. With a lack of awareness comes a lack of government policies and funding to protect the ocean.
In response to this challenge, we have invested in:
Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS)
Advocating for the federal government to ensure the ocean is properly protected in Australia’s environmental laws.
MARINE DEBRIS
Marine Debris come from both land and sea sources and can travel great distances through currents. The most common marine debris that are impacting the marine environment are plastic bags, plastic bottles and cigarette butts.
Under Reef Keepers, we donated to:
Funding has gone towards beach clean-ups and general advocacy to understand the source of plastic pollution and how advocating for solutions to stop pollution at the source. Boomerang Alliance $60,000Funding political advocacy to establish a National Packaging Solution that aims to stop the use of plastic packaging which is a huge issue for our oceans.
WATER QUALITY / AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF
Runoff from land can have a detrimental impact on the reef through nutrient build-up, which increases the likelihood of coral bleaching and coral-eating pests. Reforestation and regenerative agricultural practices can prevent this. This year’s funding to support water quality has been directed to:
Rainforest Rescue purely focuses on the restoration of old cane farming land in the Daintree, protecting it into perpetuity and working with the traditional owners to manage the property.
Sustainable Table’s Atherton Tablelands Integrated Collective
This project is about enabling and scaling regenerative agriculture opportunities within the Atherton Tablelands. The purpose is to improve, and enhance the landscape’s biological vitality and improve the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef
RESEARCH ON REEF RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY
Alongside managing the threats and stopping the old, is supporting research and innovation in solutions.
Under Reef Keepers this year we have funded:
Funding four PhD scholarships to continue their research at Orpheus Island Research Station.
Our funding has supported GBR Legacy’s coral biobank in Cairns and the collection of living coral samples which are being collected to create a living ‘seed bank’ of the biodiversity that exists on the reef.
Thank you to our Morris Escapes guests for their support of our Reef Keepers program. Your contributions help ensure the preservation of one of the world’s most precious ecosystems for future generations.
Hayley Morris – Morris Family Foundation
About Morris Escapes
Morris Escapes is a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty. Designed to inspire authentic experiences and lasting memories, guests can discover luxury island hideaways on the Great Barrier Reef at Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island, invoke the spirit of adventure in the outback at Mt Mulligan Lodge, and succumb to country elegance in the Scenic Rim at Beechmont Estate.
Morris Escapes was crafted by Australian family business, Morris Group, with the goal of allowing travellers to experience Northern Australia in its purest form and to contribute to sustainable economies in the region.
About Morris Group
Morris Group is an independent, family-run business operating a collection of iconic Australian experiences. With businesses in tourism, hospitality, aviation, and technology, we’re on a mission to make a positive impact doing work we love.
From luxury resorts and lodges to urban beer gardens, elevated dining experiences, and superyacht adventures; everything we do is inspired by our love for good company and the great outdoors.