Reef business land $3.2m lifeline

North Queensland tourism business fearing the end of JobKeeper have been thrown a lifeline to help study the Great Barrier Reef.

Struggling Great Barrier Reef tourism businesses have been thrown a $3.2 million lifeline that is expected to support up to 300 jobs.

The funds, which are from a $1 billion COVID-19 recovery fund, will support 17 marine tourism operators to get on to the water from this week to undertake in-water conservation and monitoring activities, including coral gardening and culling crown-of-thorns starfish.

North Queensland tourism boats will be paid to help the government monitor reef safety. Liam Brennan

North Queensland’s tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic as international border closures have slashed their incomes, leaving them heavily dependent on JobKeeper.

Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said supporting local jobs on the Reef would be vital for getting Queenslanders back on their feet, “especially considering the tough times the tourism sector has faced because of the global pandemic”.

“The Great Barrier Reef is one of our most valuable tourist destinations with its remarkable coral reefs and beaches and this initiative will be vital for ensuring we correctly manage its health into the future,” he said.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the initiative helped ensure business continuity for the tourism industry and would help conserve and protect high-value Reef tourism sites.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley is sending tourism operators out to monitor Reef health. Picture: Luke Marsden

“We’re delighted to support our passionate tourism operators to monitor reef health, control native pest outbreaks and conduct restoration activities at local reef sites,” she said.

“We’re aiming to encourage people to come and see the Reef when it is safe to do so, fall in love with it and do their bit to protect the Reef for future generations to enjoy.”

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the project would support about 300 existing frontline Reef tourism jobs.

“The project aims to provide a degree of business continuity for tourism operations through the provision of key services at 243 high-value tourism sites,” he said.