Additional $204 million allocated in Federal Budget for protection of Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Government has announced that next week’s budget will deliver an additional $204 million for the protection, management and restoration of the Great Barrier Reef.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek outlined the Government’s vision for the future of the Reef, following through on an election commitment to make the environment and the preservation of the Reef a priority.

Minister Plibersek noted “If we protect the Reef, we protect our future. This new investment will bring forward actions that have been long overdue.”

The additional funding will immediately address critical gaps in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and speed-up Reef protection activities.

Catchment restoration programs will restore and remediate gully and stream banks to reduce sediment run-off into the reef and improve water quality.

Additional funding will also support targeted blue carbon ecosystem restoration projects. Mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses are critical in protecting the reef from run off but also provide important breeding and feeding habitats for marine life.

$20 million will be dedicated to assist corals to evolve more quickly and adapt to their changing environment, as well as supporting natural restoration of damaged and degraded reefs.

New funding will deliver stronger fisheries management and protect threatened species on the Reef by working with commercial fishers to reduce by-catch through modifying and upgrading fishing equipment.

A grant of $15.3 million will be provided to set up the new Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre at the Central Queensland University in Gladstone. This will allow the hire of additional specialist staff and set up new research laboratories. The centre will undertake critical scientific work to improve Australia’s understanding of Reef ecosystems.

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Nita Green added “The Reef sustains 64,000 Australian jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the Australian economy.

“From Cairns to Gladstone protecting the Reef means investing in regional communities.

“As well as a crucial investment for our natural environment, this will support the entire Queensland – and Australian – economy.”

Image: Bleaching on the Reef