Today’s Australian Government announcement of an injection of more than $250 million into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s world-leading marine park management reflects the importance of the Reef and will keep our Reef protection programs at the cutting-edge .
The funding boost is part of the additional $1 billion the Australian Government will invest in a raft of measures to protect the Great Barrier Reef, bringing its total investment to $3 billion.
CEO of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority), Josh Thomas, said the Australian Government’s announcement was great news for the Reef and great news for the industries and communities that rely on it.
“Australians and the world care deeply about the Great Barrier Reef. It is part of our national identity and revered by many for its awe-inspiring beauty and amazing diversity, not to mention its sheer size – a reef system bigger than most countries in the world,” Mr Thomas said.
“In addition the Reef contributes billions of dollars to the national economy each year as well as supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Industries and communities rely on the Reef and a healthy, functioning Reef is critical to their survival.
“This funding means the Reef Authority can do more to look after Australia’s iconic Reef, for the enjoyment of all.
“It means we can amplify our efforts to protect this unique natural wonder and build its resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.
“It will provide a substantial uplift to some of our key program areas, including controlling crown-of-thorns starfish, marine park planning, on-water conservation and compliance activities, monitoring and reporting, and working with Traditional Owners, key stakeholders and the community on Reef protection measures.
“The announcement is pivotal for the Reef Authority and increases our capacity to deliver across a wide range of programs.
“Like many natural systems around the world, the Reef is under pressure from climate change, as well as other human-induced threats such as declining water quality.
“The $1 billion Reef Protection package includes substantial further funding to address these key pressures on the Reef. It includes funds for water quality initiatives, climate adaptation and resilience science, research and development and Traditional Owner and community projects.
“It builds on the Australian Government’s existing $2 billion commitment to implement the Reef 2050 Plan.
“This investment continues to strengthen actions to reduce pressures on the Reef and develop interventions to support its adaptation, but must be combined with concerted global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible.
“We are excited about the possibilities this investment offers and will continue working with our partners including Traditional Owners and across government agencies, industry and the community to do whatever is in our power to ensure we have a healthy, thriving Reef for future generations.”
