On Friday, 27 February 2026, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the Committee) will visit the site of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, and shortly after question officials from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and other stakeholder groups about the proposed redevelopment of the site.
The proposed works are a key deliverable under the Townsville City Deal between the Commonwealth, the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council. If approved, the works will see the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, closed since 2021, extensively redeveloped and reopened by the end of the decade.
Established in 1987, the Aquarium is the centrepiece of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's efforts in promoting education about and fostering stewardship of the unique marine environment of the Great Barrier Reef. The redevelopment seeks to re-establish the Aquarium as the nation's world-class centre for reef education and tourism. As the home of the world's largest living coral reef display, the Aquarium plays a vital role in showcasing the rich and complex biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, making the Reef accessible to people of all ages and abilities without getting wet. The Committee's inquiry into the proposed works will ensure that Commonwealth expenditure is maximised to enable the Aquarium to continue to play this crucial national and international role.
The proposed works have a total estimated cost of $161.1 million.
The Committee will hear from relevant officers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as well as representatives from Townsville City Council, Queensland Museum, and the Port of Townsville Limited at the hearing. Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website or attend the hearing in person at the location listed below.
Public hearing details
Date: Friday, 27 February 2026
Time: 12:30 pm–1:50 pm AEST
Location: QCWA Magnetic Garbutt Branch Hall, 42 Lancaster St, Garbutt, Townsville, Qld 4814
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live
Please note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.
