Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Kara Cook MP, Member for Bonner
The Albanese Government is investing $1.5 million to restore shellfish reefs in Moreton Bay, which have been lost due to historical harvesting, coastal development, disease and water quality decline.
The commitment, made by the Albanese Labor Government during the 2025 election campaign, will support OzFish to create and deploy Robust Oyster Baskets (ROBs) in southeast Queensland at the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island, and Fisher's Lease.
ROBs will be created by volunteers using recycled shell material collected from seafood businesses and restaurants across Brisbane, which are cleaned and cured to meet biosecurity requirements.
Over the next two years, OzFish will deploy 10,000 ROBs within Moreton Bay to restore shellfish reefs, which will provide critical marine habitat, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity while supporting cultural values and community engagement.
Shellfish reefs not only provide important habitat for fish and crustaceans, but they also act like a natural water filter by trapping microscopic algae and other particles, significantly improving water quality.
A single oyster can filter more than 100 litres of water a day, and a single ROB can provide shelter for over 10,000 baby oysters, meaning that a restored shellfish reef will greatly boost the health of Moreton Bay.
The funding is part of the Australian Government's Local Environmental Projects Program that is protecting and improving our environment and heritage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is investing in projects that conserve, protect, and sustainably manage Australia's natural environment and heritage through locally informed, place-based action.
"The Local Environmental Projects Program will improve biodiversity and support local communities to connect and care for nature, empowering Australians to be active stewards of nature and improve heritage outcomes around the country."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bonner, Kara Cook MP:
"This funding will support the southeast Queensland community to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage our precious natural environment.
"The $1.5 million in grant funding committed to OzFish for Reef Restoration in Moreton Bay reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to protecting our local environment and ensuring future generations can enjoy our unique biodiversity."
