Australian Government Awards Funding To Protect The Great Barrier Reef
Communities, Scientists, Governments To Preserve And Protect The Great Barrier Reef
(Image courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation)
The Australian Government has awarded US$4.9 million to support community projects that will help protect Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Three organizations 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 US$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, Australia. This includes establishing shellfish recycling centers 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 US$1.6 million for restoration, protection, and monitoring activities to improve key coastal habitats on Yunbenun-Magnetic Island.
Reef Catchments will receive US$1.4 million to enhance the health and resilience of seagrass within the Great Barrier Reef. This includes restoring seagrass meadows at Cape Gloucester, Australia, improving seagrass nursery capacity, and working with local communities to better understand how to protect and restore seagrass.
These projects are part of round one of the Australian Government’s US$12.5 million Protecting the Great Barrier Reef – Community Stewardship Program, which is committed to long-lasting protection and care for the reef. Round two program funding will become available from 2026 to 2027.
“This is part of our record investment of US$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,” said Australia’s minister for the environment and water, Tanya Plibersek. “We know that the best way to protect our 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 the reef, and good news for the local communities and the 64,000 jobs that rely on it.”
