Bush Summit 2024: PM chips in $100m to massive Reef HQ upgrade

An extra $100m will be injected into a critical Queensland site as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveils a raft of new projects to protect the Barrier Reef.

An extra $100 million will be injected into a critical Townsville tourism site as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveils a raft of new projects to improve water quality and protect the Great Barrier Reef – and pledges to “continue the great story” of regional Australia by building an economy where “manufacturing is every bit as strong as mining”.

In an address opening the 2024 Bush Summit in Townsville, Mr Albanese will announce a record investment to rebuild the North Queensland city’s Reef HQ aquarium, which is expected to create more than 1000 local jobs.

This story is part of News Corp Australia’s Bush Summit series celebrating rural and regional Australia and championing the issues that matter most to those living in the bush. You can read all our coverage here

The Albanese government’s funding for the project has now reached $180m, with the additional investment to enable the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ­deliver a new purpose-built ­facility to deliver “global ­excellence in tropical reef ­education and provide immersive experiences attracting domestic and international visitors”.

Opened in 1987 by then prime minister Bob Hawke, the Townsville landmark has welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in its lifetime.

Mr Albanese will also announce details of Labor’s $200m investment in the Reef, which will fund programs to improve wetland habitat health, water quality and reduce nutrient run off, supporting jobs in reef-dependent communities. In his speech, Mr Albanese will say regional Australians deal with ­challenges “not known in the capitals”.

Concept image of the proposed Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence

“With so much of the nation’s prosperity generated in our regions, we understand how important regions are in building a stronger Australia,” he will say.

“We also understand how critical it is for people and families across regional Australia to have the support they need, whether it’s access to quality services or relief from cost-of-living pressures.”

Domestic manufacturing will be at the core of Mr Albanese’s promise of future prosperity for the regions.

“Regional Australia is home to the resources the world needs. We know we can turn them into the products that the world wants,” he will say.

“We can continue the great story regional Australia has long been writing by building an economy where manufacturing is every bit as strong as mining.

“An economy built with confidence on the skills, talent and hard work of our people.

“An economy where Australian researchers and innovators can commercialise their ideas here and turn discovery into industry.

“And in doing so, we can bring a new generation of secure, well-paid jobs.”

Mr Albanese will also outline existing supports for communities, from the Future Drought Fund program to help farmers prepare for the next drought to the economic opportunities of making Australia a “renewable energy superpower”.

“As we work to harness more and more of the sunshine Australia has in such abundance, farmers and solar farmers alike are finding mutual benefits,” he will say.

“Of course, there’s always room for improvement.

“Community consultation has to get better. Developers need to do better. This is all within reach.”

Concept image of the proposed Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence

Reef HQ has been closed since 2019, with the funds allocated under the previous government not enough for the full rebuild.

Mr Albanese will say he is pleased that after Mr Hawke opened the facility, it was now another Labor government helping to save it.

“It’s only right that Townsville, which plays such an integral role in the defence of our nation, should also play a part in teaching us to protect it,” he will say.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the Great Barrier Reef was one of the most extraordinary places on earth, and the government was determined to protect it so it can be enjoyed by Australians and visitors from around the world while marine life thrived.

“That’s why Labor is investing a record $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Reef,” she said.

“And it’s why we are building a new globally recognised, marine science and education facility that showcases our commitment to managing and protecting this natural ­wonder.”

Labor candidate for the federal seat of Herbert Edwina Andrew said the Reef HQ project was close to her heart, as her father was one of the draftsmen who worked on the original design.

“I know he would be thrilled to see this project moving forward,” she said.

“Reef HQ is a Townsville icon, and I’m so pleased this funding will allow us to finally begin to rebuild it.

“It’s fantastic to see that this facility will continue to be able to be enjoyed by our community and by tourists from right across the world for many years to come.”

Concept image of the proposed Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence

Concept image of the proposed Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence