Joint media release: Review of the Reef 2050 plan
2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan in collaboration with the Crisafulli Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Reef 2050 Plan is the Albanese and Crisafulli Government’s overarching framework that sets out how we work together to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef to 2050. The review will ensure the plan continues to support strong action to build a resilient Reef.
The plan is based on decades of scientific research and has been successfully guiding government investment and management actions across the Reef since 2015. The flexible framework is reviewed every 5 years to ensure the plan remains current and addresses emerging issues, including the cumulative impacts of climate change and other threats on the Reef. The updated plan will provide a strong, forward focused framework that is underpinned by the latest science and research and builds on the significant action Australia has taken to support a resilient Reef.
It will also build on new and targeted programs that have been delivered to improve Reef water quality into the future and Australia’s ongoing action to strengthen Traditional Owner partnerships, support sustainable fishing and deliver world-leading reef restoration and adaptation initiatives that are focused on the Reef, but could be applied to coral reefs worldwide.
The updated plan will continue to be supported by significant investment, including through the Albanese Government’s record $1.2 billion investment to help build the Reef’s resilience and maintain its Outstanding Universal Value. Together with the Queensland Government our total Reef investment is now over $5 billion since 2014. Further information on the review is available at www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/great-barrier-reef/protecting/reef-2050-plan.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the review will ensure the best possible management of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. “The Albanese Government is committed to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef and the 77,000 jobs that depend on it,” Minister Watt said. “The Great Barrier Reef is widely recognised as one of the world’s best managed coral reef ecosystems, but we can always do more.
“Our recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which introduce Commonwealth regulation of land clearing in the Reef catchment, and our ambitious and achievable 2035 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels, build on the significant action we’ve taken to support the Reef. “The Reef 2050 Plan is the guiding framework for the Reef, so it’s important that we make sure it is informed by the latest research and advice from scientists, Traditional Owners and key partners to protect the Reef for generations to come.
“We understand the importance of the Reef – both environmentally and economically – which is why the Albanese Government has invested a record $1.2 billion to help build the Reef’s resilience. Together with the Queensland Government our total Reef investment is now over $5 billion since 2014.” Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the plan was a crucial part of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to the Great Barrier Reef.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of our greatest natural assets and it’s important that we continue working together to look after it,” Minister Powell said. “We are working together to use the latest science to improve local water quality, protect our marine life and ensure the Great Barrier Reef remains one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.