The additional funding is aimed at reducing water runoff from eroded agricultural areas in the Reef’s water catchment areas. Photo: QLD Department of Environment and Science.
The Federal Government has thrown an additional $50 million into its Landscape Repair Program in an effort to improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef.
With $200 million now committed to the program, it is hoped the funding will further prevent poor quality water runoff from erosion, water which flows into catchments and eventually into the sea along the Queensland coast.
A joint release from Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Senator Nita Green said higher concentrations of pollutants from the runoff promote algae growth and reduce water clarity. This reduces the growth of seagrasses and mangroves, and can compromise the reef’s resilience to the effects of climate change.
The release says the $200 million will support landowners, Traditional Owners and environment groups to carry out land repair projects in Reef catchments that stop erosion, support revegetation and manage the impacts of grazing.
As well as improving water quality, it says these projects will also restore native habitats and increase carbon sequestration, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
It says the Federal and Queensland Governments are working together to protect and restore the reef and have committed $1 billion for projects to improve water quality across reef catchments.
“One of the most iconic things about the Great Barrier Reef is the crystal blue water,” Ms Plibersek said.
“But the reef and the water that flows through it is under threat from sediment and other runoff. Poor water quality stops coral from regrowing, it kills important seagrass, and it blocks the sunlight needed for a healthy reef.
“This funding will repair and protect gullies, creeks and riverbanks that flow into the reef,” she added.
“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 for future generations.”
Senator Green said the funding will help to ‘future-proof’ the reef and the 64,000 jobs it supports.
“This additional $50 million of funding means our government is making the largest investment in improving water quality of the Great Barrier Reef, a key determinant of its resilience,” she said.
“This funding boost also means opportunities for a range of groups across regional Queensland to contribute to reef protection – Traditional Owners, conservation and NRM organisations, scientists and landholders.
“I am excited continuing to work with them to deliver this record $200 million reef investment. Because when we protect the reef, we protect our future.”
