Joint media release: $4.9 million boost for local communities to protect the Great Barrier Reef

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Senator for Queensland

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $4.9 million to support three community projects that will help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Three organisations will deliver projects protecting key habitat, ecosystems and species through on ground monitoring, habitat restoration, water quality improvement, education and enhanced stewardship of the Great Barrier Reef.

OzFish Unlimited will receive $1.9 million to work with recreational fishers and the broader community to restore oyster reefs and mangroves in Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns, Mackay and Gladstone. This includes establishing shellfish recycling centres which manufacture products that place used oyster shells back in the water to help attract more shellfish and boost their survival -  while also keeping shells out of landfill.

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation will receive $1.6 million for restoration, protection and monitoring activities to improve key coastal habitats on Yunbenun-Magnetic Island.

Reef Catchments will receive $1.4 million to enhance the health and resilience of seagrass within the Great Barrier Reef. This includes restoring seagrass meadows at Cape Gloucester, improving seagrass nursery capacity, and working with local communities and Traditional Owners to better understand how to protect and restore seagrass.

These projects are part of round one of our $12.5 million Protecting the Great Barrier Reef – Community Stewardship Program, which is committed to long-lasting protection and care for the Reef. Funding for round 2 of the program will become available from 2026-27. 

For more information on the Community Stewardship Program, visit Reef Trust Programs - DCCEEW.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“This is part of our record investment of $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. We want to make sure the beauty and majesty of the Reef can be enjoyed by our kids and grandkids.

“We know that the best way to protect our precious Reef is to work together with communities, experts and governments.

“This investment will mean local communities can use their knowledge and skills to better protect key areas and that species that call it home.

“It’s good news for our Reef, and good news for the local communities and the 64,000 jobs that rely on it.”

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green:

“Local Reef communities play an important role in protecting and restoring the Great Barrier Reef.

“I am proud to support community collaboration to protect the Great Barrier Reef and the thousands of jobs across regional Queensland that depend on it.”