- Budget strengthening the foundations for a fresh start by protecting the Great Barrier Reef, preserving our unique environment and unlocking more ecotourism.
- Protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations by boosting water quality and reducing agricultural run-off with $330.5 million.
- Expanding protected areas to preserve our natural environment with $111.3. million.
- More environmentally sensitive and nature-based ecotourism opportunities in national parks with $44.9 million and $34 million ongoing to invest in visitor and management facilities.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland with record action to protect the Great Barrier Reef and deliver new ecotourism opportunities through Destination 2045, in the 2026-27 Budget.
The $1.5 billion Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Budget is strengthening the foundations for a fresh start with better services through a stronger economy.
The Budget will unlock more ecotourism opportunities, with new nature-based tourism experiences in National Parks to boost eco-tourism across Queensland, with $44.9 million over four years.
Visitor and management facilities in national parks will also be upgraded to protect the environment and support tourism, with $34 million.
This investment is in stark contrast to the former Labor Government who approved just three eco-tourism projects in their decade of decline and left Queensland without a statewide ecotourism policy.
Queensland continues unashamedly to become the events capital of Australia, with the Crisafulli Government targeting more signature music, sport and cultural events, including delivering the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and locking in deals for NRL Magic Round, Rugby League World Cup, the Australian-exclusive performance of José Carreras and Friends and extending Bluey’s World to keep it in Queensland longer.
The Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 is delivering for Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor, who had a secret plan to cut tourism funding by 95 per cent which would have meant less events and less opportunity for Queensland.
A record investment in Great Barrier Reef preservation will protect the icon for future generations, boosting water quality under the Queensland Reef and Catchment Water Quality Program. The Crisafulli Government will continue expanding national parks and protected areas, with $111.3 million.
More than 259,000 hectares have already been added to Queensland’s protected area network since November 2024, with the declaration of Dhuny Yumba (Home of the Wombat) National Park, as well as recent additions to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Mariala National Park, and The Lakes National Park.
This expansion supports the Crisafulli Government’s aim to continue growing conservation areas, with the aim of expanding them more in four years than Labor achieved in a decade.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the 2026-27 Budget was about delivering for Queensland with better services through a stronger economy.
“We are delivering on our promises, with relief you can rely on through responsible decisions for now and the future, and no new or increased taxes,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“This Budget strengthens the foundations we’ve laid in making Queensland safer, restoring health services, delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, building generational infrastructure, getting the Games back on track, as well as playing our part to ease national cost of living pressures.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a better future for Queensland’s environment while unlocking our ecotourism potential.
“Queensland is known for our breathtaking natural assets, from the Reef to the rainforests, and this Budget will allow us to continue safeguarding and sustainably opening up our unique environments for visitors to experience,” Minister Powell said.
“Water quality has the biggest land-based impact on the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience, and we’re committed to taking action to improve it and reduce run-off.
“We’re making progress towards our goal to expand our protected area estate by an additional 1.8 million hectares by 2028, and while we grow our national parks, we’re also looking to unlock them for sustainable ecotourism opportunities while being better neighbours.”
