- The new Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy has been released by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
- The strategy identifies improving water quality as one of the most effective ways to boost the Great Barrier Reef's resilience.
- The strategy is grounded in science and aims to safeguard the Reef into the future.
A new, comprehensive water quality strategy for the Great Barrier Reef has been released, outlining a clear vision and future direction that will protect this Queensland and international icon.
Released by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy follows extensive consultation with landholders, industry and Traditional Owners.
The strategy is guided by 20 years of investment, research and innovation, and management initiatives aimed at improving Reef water quality.
It also outlines a targeted, strengthened framework for partnerships with communities living and working in Reef catchments.
These partnerships aim to empower responsible stewardship and conservation actions through collaboration and cooperation.
It replaces the previous Water Quality Improvement Plan and aligns with the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement, which found water quality has the largest land-based impact on the Reef's resilience.
Priority areas for action include:
Improving the quality of the water flowing to the Reef
Repairing nature and landscapes to protect the Reef
Supporting sustainable practices across the Reef catchment
Strengthening capacity to care for Country
Growing strong communities and regional economies while protecting the Reef
Enhancing and sharing knowledge that drives action.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was committed to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef.
"Working with landholders, Traditional Owners, tourism operators and Reef stakeholders, we are delivering strong action to improve the quality of water flowing to the Reef," Minister Watt said.
"Through this new strategy, we are building on our efforts to continue reducing sediment and nutrient runoff, supporting improved land management practices and repairing landscapes that are important for water quality.
"This will help landholders boost productivity, while encouraging sustainable farming practices and protecting the Reef for all that depend on it.
"Together with the Queensland Government we have committed close to $1.8 billion to 2030 to directly support water quality improvements across the Great Barrier Reef."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queenslanders understood the importance of conserving the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
"Queenslanders love the Reef. It's part of who we are. And we want to conserve it for future generations to enjoy," Minister Powell said. "We've already seen strong progress in improving water quality across Reef catchments, thanks to the hard work of communities, farmers, scientists and industry.
"But there's always more to do.
"That's why the Reef 2050 Water Quality Strategy is about practical action, strong partnerships and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction to conserve one of the world's great natural wonders."
The Great Barrier Reef is a global icon estimated at a value of $95 billion to the Australian economy and supports 77,000 full-time jobs.
