Palaszczuk Government injects more funding for Great Barrier Reef

Published Wednesday, 23 May, 2018 at 11:30 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

The Palaszczuk Government will inject more funding into the Great Barrier Reef in next months’ state budget, taking its investment to a record $330 million over 5 years to protect this natural national treasure. 

Announcing the new funding on Langford Island in the Whitsundays region today, which is also World Turtle Day, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the additional investment would boost programs to restore, protect and build the resilience of our iconic Great Barrier Reef.

“In the upcoming Budget we will allocate $40 million of new funding, to significantly increase our state’s financial contribution to protecting the reef,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Part of this $40 million will include $26 million in extra funding over the next four years for the Joint Field Management Program for reef protection measures. This is on top of the more than $35 million already invested in this program.

“In addition, a further$13.8 million over the next four years will be allocated to extend the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program to support the transition of graziers, and cane and banana growers to improved practices through access to professional advice.”

Ms Palaszczuk said protecting the Great Barrier Reef was vital not just for the environment and tourism, but also to meet international commitments.

“This natural wonder is iconic for Queensland and for the world, and we need to do what have committed to, to ensure it is protected,” she said.

“That is why my Government is adding extra funding to ensure the Reef is preserved now and for generations to come.”

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said the 2017 Scientific Consensus Statement confirmed that progress towards the water quality targets required for a healthy reef needed further investment.

“This is why we are investing more money in water quality projects for the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our extra investment in the joint field management program will also ensure our rangers, in conjunction with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, will be able to expand their work in maintaining island and marine ecosystems.”

However, Ms Enoch said this further investment needed to be backed by a national climate change policy to maximise its impact and called on the Federal LNP Government to commit to a national approach to tackling climate change.

“We know that the number one challenge facing the Reef right now is climate change,” she said.

“With our Queensland Climate Change Response, our 50% renewable energy target and our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the Palaszczuk Government is making sure that Queensland is doing its part to combat climate change.

“What is missing is a Federal Government willing to step up to provide national policy to address the challenges – and seize the opportunities – of a climate transition.

“The Federal Treasurer confirmed during his Budget speech that the Turnbull Government will not commit to realistic targets to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions or achievable renewable energy targets – once again leaving the heavy lifting to Queensland.”

 

Media contacts:

Premier: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667

Minister Enoch: Pam Frost 0437 859 987