- The Great Barrier Reef Urban Technology and Innovation Fund is providing grants of up to $4 million for water management projects aiming to reduce water pollution flowing to the Great Barrier Reef from urban landscapes.
- The $24 million fund is a joint investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments with contributions of $12 million each.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering grants of up to $4 million to help develop affordable and innovative solutions to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in urban water from impacting the Great Barrier Reef.
As part of the $24 million Great Barrier Reef Urban Technology and Innovation program, grants are available under the Wastewater Grant Program to test and commercialise affordable and effective wastewater treatment concepts in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Grants of up to $200,000 are also available for the commercialisation of proven wastewater treatment technologies to increase their use by urban sector stakeholders.
To further tap into innovative solutions to improve the health of the Reef, councils, industry, urban utilities, innovators and researchers are invited to take part in a Stormwater Innovation Challenge.
Participants will be invited to investigate practical stormwater solutions that reduce nutrients and sediment in stormwater, with successful projects supported from trials to commercialisation.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Albanese Government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the 77,000 jobs that depend on it.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of our greatest natural assets and it's crucial that we continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies and solutions to protect it," Minister Watt said.
"While most of the nutrient and sediment runoff into the Reef comes from regional catchments, we must also ensure the water flowing from our urban areas is better for the environment.
"The Albanese Government recently committed an additional $91.8 million to bolster Australia's world-leading management of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, building on the strong action we've already taken to secure the future of one of our greatest natural assets.
"Together with the Queensland Government, our total investment in the reef is now over $5.3 billion since 2014, including $1.8 million to directly support water quality improvements."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said no one loved the Reef more than Queenslanders.
"Queenslanders live and breathe the Reef - and we're committed to doing our part to protect it," Minister Powell said.
"We're working with industry, councils, and innovators to deliver practical, low-cost solutions to reduce urban run-off.
"Even small urban areas can have a big impact on water quality, so action here matters.
"Through targeted investment like the $24 million Urban Technology and Innovation Fund, we're backing new ideas to keep the Reef healthy for future generations."
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Matt Smith said when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef, literally every drop counts.
"This funding will enable councils and industry to maintain the ecological integrity of wastewater flowing into the ocean.
"We know only too well that our part of the world is prone to flooding, and by reducing the nutrients and sediment from stormwater that enter the reef, it can only help sustain the eco-system's health and vitality.
"The recent budget re-affirmed the Albanese Government's commitment to protecting this natural wonder; in addition to the industries, careers and lives that depend on its well-being."
Assistant Tourism Minister and Local Member for Barron River Bree James said Far North Queensland communities knew firsthand how urban runoff could impact local waterways and the Reef.
"We're backing simple, practical solutions that work for our councils and our community, to keep our waterways cleaner before it all flows out to the Reef," Ms James said.
"This is about locals doing their bit and making sure we look after the Reef for our future generations."
