Green groups hail conservationist Felicity Wishart, who died suddenly

The environmentalist Felicity Wishart, who has died suddenly, has been hailed as a “wonderful Australian” who worked tirelessly to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The campaigner died in her sleep on Sunday night. She was 49 and leaves a partner and two young sons.

Until her death, she had served as the dedicated Great Barrier Reef campaign manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

“None worked harder, with as much grace, and achieved as many results to protect our heritage,” an AMCS statement read. “She combined great warmth and humility with an ability to understand and fearlessly challenge powerful forces that threatened our heritage.”

Previously, Wishart had worked for the Queensland Conservation Council and the Wilderness Society.

The conservationist was a creative campaigner and had been instrumental in the push to phase out broadscale land clearing in the mid-2000s, the QCC said.

With more than 20 years’ experience in environmental advocacy, she also served as a mentor to younger female conservationists.

She was a “wonderful Australian” and her passing was terrible news, former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said.

“Our planet has lost a great champion and we mourn for her,” acting Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters said.

“This woman was a force, and always conducted herself with grace, good humour and determination. She was a role model for many young women in the conservation movement, and was a much loved friend to many.”

David Ritter, chief executive of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Many of us worked closely with Felicity, and the news of her death is devastating and deeply sad. This is a personal loss for a number of people, as well as for the environmental movement in Australia.”

Wishart’s work on marine reserves also helped secure 25 state-based lots in NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, comprising more than three million hectares.

Most recently, she had scrutinised Queensland’s Abbot Point project, rallying against “reckless industrialisation”.

AMCS said “none worked harder, with as much grace and achieved as many results to protect our heritage”.

“As a leader she combined great warmth and humility, with an ability to understand and fearlessly challenge powerful forces that threatened our heritage.

“All Australians, whether they realise it or not, owe a debt of gratitude for her work.”

A statement from WWF Australia said the organisation “admired Flic for her warmth, humour, courage, intelligence, knowledge, passion, drive and tireless work ethic”.