Joint media release: Get involved to help keep the reef clean

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

The Great Barrier Reef Clean Up 2024 was launched today, with ReefClean and Clean Up Australia joining forces to support the largest marine debris collection event across the Reef region.

The Great Barrier Reef Clean Up funded by the Albanese Government and run by Tangaroa Blue Foundation, involves communities, schools and businesses coming together to help protect the Great Barrier Reef from harmful pollution.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most beautiful and biodiverse marine systems, but it is facing significant threats from human-produced litter.

Marine debris can have serious consequences for the environment, threatening the biodiversity of the Reef, killing marine life such as turtles, dugongs, dolphins and seabirds, and impacting tourism.

The Great Barrier Reef Clean Up 2024 event is run throughout October and is targeting local creeks, rivers, beaches, offshore islands and sand cays.

Since ReefClean’s inception, more than 13,310 volunteers have helped clean-up 127.5 tonnes of marine debris in the Great Barrier Reef region - equivalent to five humpback whales.

To find out more about the Great Barrier Reef Clean-up 2024, visit https://tangaroablue.org/get-involved/2024-great-barrier-reef-clean-up/

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

“I am proud to continue our support for Australia’s biggest community-driven marine debris clean-up.

“Human-produced litter is one the biggest threats facing the Great Barrier Reef. It can smother coral, choke turtles, and entangle dugongs and dolphins.

“Reducing the amount of rubbish entering the Reef is one of the most valuable, tangible actions we can take to protect it. And everyone can help.

“The Reef is one of our most precious places. That’s why we are investing $1.2 billion in initiatives like this that restore and protect the Reef for our kids and grandkids.”

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

“Funding this clean-up is just another way we're looking after the health of the Great Barrier Reef, by empowering the local communities that already love and care for it.

“Reducing the amount of waste that flows into the Reef is a key part in ensuring the safety and resilience of the Reef and the marine life that calls it home.

“We know we still have a lot of work to do, but we're committed to protecting and restoring the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come."