The federal government announced an additional $1 million to improve water quality, reef management, and research. This is the largest ever investment insaving Great Barrier Reef.
These are the key points
- Over $3 billion has been earmarked for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef
- New money will finance scientific research and water quality improvements
- The United Nations will report next month on the health and condition of the reef
The government hopes that the funding will protect more than 64,000 jobs, and $6.4 billion in tourism dollars linked to the reef economy.
More than half of the funding will be used for improving water quality, including rehabilitating erosion, improving soil condition and reducing nutrient or pesticide run-off.
Sussan ley, Environment Minister, said that $1 billion would be managed jointly by her department with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The package would be delivered through communities and industries in the area, as well traditional owners.
Ms Ley stated that “our reef champions are our farmers, tourism operators and fishers” and that they are being supported through practical water- and land-based strategies that will significantly contribute to the health and well-being of the reef.
Reef still faces ‘in danger’ listing
Since UNESCO warned last summer that the Great Barrier Reef would be “in danger”, the federal government is being urged to make more efforts to protect it.
Although the government has managed to avoid an immediate listing of the reef, it still faces the possibility of being listed as “in danger”.
Sussan Leey denied that UNESCO has yet visited Australia.
I have written to UNESCO and invited the reactive monitoring mission. I look forward to further correspondence indicating their visit, she told ABC.
I look forward the reactive monitoring mission to Australia, and to seeing first-hand how our reef communities are achieving the best possible reef management.
The federal government was also required by UNESCO to submit a report detailing how it protects the reef by next month. Ms Ley said that the report will be sent soon.
Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has warned that the reef’s health will continue to decline unless climate action is taken.
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, stated that the Great Barrier Reef is “the best-managed coral reef in the entire world” and that $2 billion had already been invested in its sustainability plan.
“We are supporting the health of the Reef and the economic future for tourism operators, hospitality providers, and Queensland communities that are at heart of the Reef Economy,” Mr Morrison stated.
The government stated that it would provide scientific research funding for projects such as coral seeding, reef stabilisation and the development of heat resistant corals. It also said that climate adaptation work with turtles will be funded.
