Joint media release: Game-changing new vessel joins Great Barrier Reef fleet in Queensland's north

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Leanne Linard MP, Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef

• The Island Guardian has joined the fleet of vessels used to protect and enhance the Great Barrier Reef
• The vessel will be based in Townsville and will operate across the entire Reef to service marine and island national parks
• The barge can carry up to six tonnes and can sleep seven people for up to 10 days at a time

A new 20-metre vessel, the Island Guardian, has joined the fleet of vessels used to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef.

The $6.3 million vessel was jointly funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments as part of their strong commitment to protecting the reef and ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.

The Island Guardian will be used by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to transport materials, tools and machinery to protected islands throughout the Reef.

It will also be used as a platform for dive teams replacing and servicing marine infrastructure such as public moorings and reef protection markers.

The barge has a cruising speed of 20 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles. It can sleep up to seven people for 10 days at a time, making it perfect for multi-day journeys and surveys of more remote sections of the Reef.

The Island Guardian takes the total number of vessels in the Reef Joint Field Management Program fleet to 21 boats.

While based in Townsville, Island Guardian will operate across the entire Great Barrier Reef and island network.

Designed by Incat Crowther and built in Brisbane by Norman R Wright and Sons, Island Guardian is tailor-made to meet the needs of the field management program.

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

“The Great Barrier Reef is one the most beautiful places on Earth and the Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor Governments are committing to protecting it for our kids and grandkids.

“The launch of the Island Guardian means our fantastic rangers are able to do more of their vital work to manage the reef and the more than 1000 islands in the area.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard:

“The field management program is responsible for 163km of walking track, 111 campgrounds, 21 boardwalks and lookouts and 15km of public roads across the Reef’s island network.

“There are 347 public moorings and 289 reef protection markers in the Great Barrier Reef, Island Guardian will assist in maintaining these and protecting important reef and seagrass habitats from anchor damage.

“This new barge will travel wherever its needed across the Reef to transport crucial equipment to maintain, protect and improve protected islands, making it a fine addition to the fleet.

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

“The Island Guardian is a welcome addition to the fantastic fleet of vessels deployed by the Reef Joint Field Management Program.

“It will mean more of the great work our rangers and scientists are doing out on the Reef will be supported.

“The vessel, constructed right here in Queensland, is just another example of our Government’s backing Queensland made and Queensland jobs."

Further information:

Images and vision of the Island Guardian are available for download here.

More information about the Reef joint Field Management Program is available here: https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-work/field-management/field-management-great-barrier-reef-marine-park