State budget commits $330m to protect Great Barrier Reef

The Queensland Conservation Council has welcomed a record $330 million commitment in the next state budget to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The Crisafulli Government's upcoming 2026-27 Budget has allocated $330.5 million to deliver the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, which sets ambitious targets to reduce sediment, nutrients, and pesticides by 2032.

Anthony Gough, Acting Director of the Queensland Conservation Council, says 

We are pleased to see this investment to protect the Reef, after years of warning that deforestation and industrialisation in catchment areas was causing huge damage from sediment and pollutant run-off.

Pollutants introduced by land-based run-off are the most significant contributor to reduced water quality on the Great Barrier Reef, causing massive damage to this iconic ecosystem. 

This funding will support industry and landowners taking practical steps to reduce run-off in Reef catchment areas, and should be targeted towards programs and pollution hotspots that deliver the most bang for our buck in terms of water quality improvement. 

This investment needs to be supported by a strong, detailed plan to assist the state in reaching its water quality targets, and transparent reporting on the water quality outcomes to make sure the investment has been effective.

The Great Barrier Reef supports over 70,000 jobs in Queensland and contributes billions to state and federal economies. We need to do all we can to protect it from the devastating effects of deforestation, toxic run-off and climate change. 

Thank you to Minister Andrew Powell, Treasurer David Janetzki, and Premier David Crisafulli for making a long-term commitment to preserve this iconic and vital ecosystem.

Bronwyn Opie, Director of the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC), says 

This is a significant investment in one of the world’s most important ecosystems. Strong action on water quality is essential to giving the Reef its best chance of withstanding the growing impacts of climate change.

With water quality targets still a long way off, it’s critical that this funding supports the targeted action needed to accelerate progress and deliver lasting improvements for Reef health.

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