Funding boost for traditional owner-led protection of the Great Barrier Reef

The federal government is set to announce a million-dollar program that will harness the knowledge and skills of First Nations peoples to improve water quality and reduce land-based runoff onto the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef has 600 different species of coral and 1600 different species of fish.

The federal government is set to announce a $30m program that will harness the knowledge and skills of First Nations peoples to improve water quality and reduce land-based runoff onto the Great Barrier Reef.

Under the program, some project funding will focus on improving mangroves and wetlands habitats where sediment and nutrients can be filtered out before reaching the World Heritage-listed natural wonder.

Reduced sedimentation will likely mean healthier seagrass beds near the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring green turtles can prosper across the Far North. Picture: David Gray/AFP

Environment Minister Murray Watt said the program would build on the success of traditional owner programs delivered previously through the Reef Trust Partnership.

“Poor water quality is one of the biggest threats to the reef and the Albanese government is investing to tackle it,” Mr Watt said.

“We recognise the inherent rights, interests, obligations and aspirations of traditional owners and custodians of the Great Barrier Reef. It is important the work of elders is respected, and their voices are not lost.

“They have been caring for sea country for thousands of years and we’re investing in that knowledge and experience.”

Indigenous minister Malarndirri McCarthy has welcomed the funding annoucement. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The program will deliver projects that are grounded in traditional owner values and reflect the connections between country, people and culture, indigenous minister Malarndirri

McCarthy said.

“Traditional Owner knowledge is invaluable in caring for land and sea Country, and informs the work of Indigenous Rangers actively managing sea Country on the Reef,” Senator McCarthy said.

“This investment will help deliver positive outcomes for the environment as well as economic development opportunities.”

Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith says traditional owners can play a key role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the reef’s protection was vital to the electorate’s economic prosperity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples playing an important role in its stewardship.

“Our Traditional Owners are an important partner in Reef protection, so this funding announcement is welcome news for our local communities and the people working hard every day to ensure its protection,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Watt will represent Australia at next week’s UN Ocean Conference in France.

Originally published as Funding boost for traditional owner-led protection of the Great Barrier Reef