The Albanese Government is investing $50 million over 5 years across four projects to enhance the health of wetlands across the Reef catchment and improve the quality of water that flows into the Great Barrier Reef.
The Reefwise Wetlands Program will rehabilitate and restore large-scale coastal wetlands and riparian systems in priority areas across the catchment.
Wetlands and riparian systems support Reef water quality by providing a natural filter for water flowing from the land to the Reef.
Wetlands also provide important habitats and nurseries for marine life and birds.
The projects will deliver a range of activities to improve the health and resilience of large wetland areas.
This includes using treatment train approaches, which are targeted, whole-of system restoration techniques that are proven to deliver significant water quality benefits.
Projects will involve reduction and harvesting of invasive weeds, as well as managing invasive species, such as wild pigs.
They will revegetate mangroves, native sedges, grasses and riparian vegetation, which act as natural water filters and trap pollutants before they reach the Reef.
Tidal reintroduction and restoring natural flow patterns will help to reverse damage, and restore habitats for marine life and the natural filtering capacity of wetlands.
The projects will also involve restoration of low-lying, degraded agricultural and pastoral lands, to manage erosion and prevent run-off that can affect water quality.
This will help to reduce water pollutant loads to improve water quality and enhance ecosystem function.
The projects will be delivered in partnership with Traditional Owners and other on-ground experts.
The Reefwise Wetlands Program is part of the Albanese Government's $1.2 billion investment over nine years to 2030 to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef.
It's funded through the Government's Reef Trust and contributes to Reef 2050 Plan priorities.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said Australia continues to take increased action to improve Reef water quality.
"This is one of many new targeted programs we are rolling out to scale up and accelerate our action to reduce the impact of poor water quality on the Reef.
"The Albanese Government has invested a record $1.2 billion to help build the Reef's resilience, and together with the Queensland Government we have committed close to $1.8 billion to 2030 to directly support Reef water quality improvements.
"The projects will support the health of key Reef habitats, as well as help protect marine life, the broader environment and Reef ecosystem.
"The Great Barrier Reef has an estimated value of $95 billion and directly supports 77,000 jobs. We need to continue doing all we can to support a resilient Reef and the communities that depend on it."
