Joint media release: New boost for Reef water quality

The Albanese Labor Government is today announcing $80 million for two new programs to improve the quality of water flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef.

The $50 million Reefwise Wetlands Program and $30 million Reefwise Urban Program will give another big boost to improving the health of the Reef while creating good regional jobs on land.

The Reefwise Wetlands program will fund grants of up to $19.75 million for projects that rehabilitate, restore and modify large scale Reef wetland and riparian systems. Projects could include on-ground rehabilitation and revegetation activities, community restoration initiatives that involve First Nations people, and measuring and monitoring ecosystem improvements.

The Reefwise Urban Program will fund activities that reduce water pollution from urban and industrial sources within priority Reef catchments. The program will deliver projects to reduce water pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff and wastewater discharges, as well as update best practice urban water management.

These new programs are in addition to the $30 million Reefwise Farming Program announced in November, which will support on-farm activities that reduce nutrient pollution on agricultural land within the Reef regions.

This funding is part of the Albanese Government’s record $1.2 billion investment to protect and restore the Reef.

For more information, visit: Reef Trust Programs - DCCEEW

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

“One of the most iconic things about the Great Barrier Reef is the crystal blue water.

“Sediment run-off and poor water quality are one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef. It stops coral from regrowing, kills seagrass, and blocks the sunlight needed for a healthy Reef.

“Looking after the Reef means important work on land too. That’s why we’re investing more than $540 million in programs like this to improve the quality of water running onto the Reef.

“Only Labor will protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef for the communities, industry and the environment that rely on it."

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

“This funding is part of our record $1.2 billion investment to improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef.

“It is great to see funding that supports crucial projects led by Reef communities, Traditional Owners, and local businesses.

“This will help future-proof the Great Barrier Reef and the tens of thousands of jobs it supports.”