Record $1bn investment to protect Great Barrier Reef

A $1 billion funding boost for the reef will be announced today with more than half the money spent on one specific issue.

The federal government is set to make a major investment in the health of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing $1 billion in funding for a variety of programs to help conserve the natural wonder from a variety of human and environmental predators.

The funds, which will be spent over the next nine years, will include investments in both programs both onshore and on the water.

More than half the money will be spent on improving water quality, including working with landholders to reduce runoffs from erosion, fertilisers, and pesticides which can harm delicate corals.

Great Barrier Reef Drive between two World Heritage areas.

Over a quarter-billion dollars will be spent on reef management and conservation to fight pests such as crown-of-thorn starfish as well as activities like illegal fishing.

Other money will be spent on reef resilience and community-led projects including habitat restoration, citizen science programs, and cleaning up marine debris with an aim to protect not only the reef but the 64,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in annual tourism revenue associated with it.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new investment would extend the Federal Government’s investment under the Reef 2050 Plan to more than $3 billion.

“We are backing the health of the reef and the economic future of tourism operators, hospitality providers and Queensland communities that are at the heart of the reef economy,” Mr Morrison said.

Funding will be spent on reef management and conservation.

“This is already the best managed reef in the world and today we take our commitment to a new level.

“Funding will support scientists, farmers and traditional owners, backing in very latest marine science while building resilience and reducing threats from pollution in our oceans and predators such as the crown-of-thorn starfish.”

“From breakthrough science in coral seeding and restoration, to improved water quality, the latest on water management and compliance systems, as well as the protection of native species, we are working across every aspect of the reef,” said federal environment minister Sussan Ley said.

“Our farmers, tourism operators, and fishers are our reef champions and we are supporting them through practical water and land based strategies that will contribute significantly to the health of the reef.”

Originally published as Record $1bn investment to protect Great Barrier Reef