The Reef is more important than the Rainforest. That's the topic of debtate at the very first 'Great Comedy Debate' to held at the Clink Theatre on 9 September.

Following in the tradition of the comedy debates of The Melbourne Comedy Festival, this topic is sure to create lots of local interest.

"One team fights for the affirmative, while the other goes for the negative, trading blows - some below the belt - with nothing but their wit and intellect to protect them," said Clink president, Claire Tierney.

Team member for the Rainforest, Evan 'Buddha' Hocking, has been a long time out of the debate scene, but is keen to shoot down any argument the Reef team may raise.

"I'm really looking forward to the Great Comedy Debtate. I think the last time I was in a debate it involved maths," he said.

Teams

Reef Team: Joanne Blacker (Local theatre drama group and Theatresports star), Paul O’Dowd (Wavelength marine expert), Mathew Churchill (The Newsport Editor).

Rainforest Team: Ben Radford (Daintree tour guide), Natalie Johnson (Flames of the Forest), Evan 'Buddha' Hocking (Football hero and stand-up comedian).

Adjudicator: Dave “00” Evans (Owner of Goodies Café and all-round funny man).
 
Mediator: Bruno Bennett (Cane toad commentator and fancy dress sophisticate).

Tickets to the Great Comedy Debate are $16 ($13 for members) and can be purchased at Goodies Cafe, Origin Espresso, or online at the Try Booking website.

The Clink bar will open at 7pm and the one hour show starts at 8pm.