Feral pig control, rock fish ramps: $17m to protect Great Barrier Reef

The Federal Government will spend over $17 million in regional Queensland to support protection and restoration of the Great Barrier Reef.

Feral pig control, fish ramps, and rooftop solar panel upgrades are among programs set to benefit local governments as part of $17 million-plus in federal government funds aimed at Great Barrier Reef protection.

A total of 19 councils in Queensland’s reef catchment areas will share in $17.48m in federal government funds under the “Reef Guardian Councils” program.

The projects, led by councils, are shovel-ready and are meant to support protection and restoration of the reef.

The Federal Government is spending money to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The projects include feral pig control in the Central Highlands, a rock ramp for fish in the Mackay Regional Council area and upgrades of a local cemetery carpark in Wujal Wujal to reduce erosion and sediment run-off.

Rockhampton Regional Council will receive funding to deliver a solar system at Rockhampton Airport. Hinchinbrook Shire Council will also get funds for rooftop solar.

The federal government’s Great Barrier Reef special envoy Senator Nita Green said “reef guardian” councils big or small had an “important role to play in addressing climate change and improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

“There are nineteen councils between Bundaberg and Cooktown in the Reef Guardian Councils Program, spanning an area of more than 300,000 sqkm,” she said.

“I’m proud to support our Reef Guardian Councils to deliver local, practical projects right along the coast and in our Reef catchments that will make a real difference to their communities, while also contribute to improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Originally published as Feral pig control, rock fish ramps: $17m to protect Great Barrier Reef