Millions pledged for Reef-restoration projects
Federal Budget
Projects involving the Great Barrier Reef are set to receive more than $100m in Federal Government funding in the next two years.
Last week’s Federal Budget show the cash injection includes $86.8m over two years for restoration projects and supporting the implementation of the Reef 2050 Long‑term Sustainability Plan, $5m on reef monitoring, protection, and stewardship activities through the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, and $3.2m from July for the Oceans Leadership Package.
There is also continued funding for the Marine Park Authority of about $35m across two years, continuing funding for Protecting and Restoring the Great Barrier Reef of about $57m across two years, and $27m to decrease risks to threatened and protected fish species across two years.
An additional $4.6m will likely be allocated across two years to support stronger paddock-to-reef monitoring, modelling and reporting, which will “enhance Australia’s understanding of the impacts of investments in land and sea country restoration and measures to further prevent degradation”, according to the budget papers.
The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan is described as being part of a broader commitment to protect the Great Barrier Reef and secure reef jobs.
