Central Queensland University gets $15m grant for Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre at Gladstone
At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone will be home to a new research facility that will improve Australia’s scientific understanding of reef ecosystems in a major win for the local university. Here’s what we know.
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Gladstone will play a vital part in improving Australia’s understanding of reef ecosystems as the federal government outlines its billion-dollar plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
A new research centre will be established at the Central Queensland University Gladstone campus, following a $15.3m grant announced by Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek on Friday.
Ms Plibersek outlined the Government’s $1.2b plan which includes replanting parts of the reef with new corals, restoring catchments, collaborating with fisheries, and the new research centre.
It comes ahead of the Albanese government committing a further $204m towards the Reef in next week’s budget, Labor’s first since being elected in May 2022.
The new Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre will be based at CQU and allow the university to hire additional specialist staff and set up a new research centre in Gladstone.
Ms Plibersek said the additional funding would immediately address critical gaps in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and speed-up Reef protection activities.
Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, ALP Senator Nita Green said the Reef sustained 64,000 Australian jobs and contributed $6.4 billion to the Australian economy.
“From Cairns to Gladstone protecting the Reef means investing in regional communities,” Ms Green said.
“As well as a crucial investment for our natural environment, this will support the entire Queensland – and Australian – economy.
“It is another important step that this government is taking to protect and manage this amazing natural wonder and support the communities that rely on it, ensuring the Reef’s viability for generations to come.”
The new funding brings Australia’s total Reef investment to more than $4.4 billion from 2015 to 2030.
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