Budget’s record Great Barrier Reef investment to protect icon for generations to come

• The Crisafulli Government will deliver a record $330.5 million investment to safeguard the iconic Great Barrier Reef, for generations to come.
• Funding to boost water quality and deliver sediment reduction programs as well as innovation and research.
• The Great Barrier Reef supports 77,000 jobs and contributes $9 billion annually to Australia's economy.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland’s environment after a decade of decline under the Labor Government.

The Crisafulli Government’s 2026–27 Budget reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef, injecting $330.5 million to drive record investment in its protection.

This record funding will deliver the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, building on 20 years of work and setting ambitious targets to reduce sediment, nutrients and pesticides by 2032.

The Crisafulli Government is committed to industry-led best management practice programs and partnerships with landholders to take practical action to reduce run-off to the Reef.

This funding builds on strong progress to meet water quality targets, cut land-based pollution and improve the Reef’s health, including $5.1 million recently delivered for projects reducing sediment and nutrient run-off in the Burnett Mary and Cape York regions.

The Great Barrier Reef supports 77,000 jobs and contributes about $9 billion annually to Australia’s economy, making it both an environmental and economic asset.

Backed by the Budget, the Queensland Reef and Catchment Water Quality Program will support landholders, communities and industry to deliver on-ground action to protect the Reef after a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government.

Treasurer David Janetzki said the record Budget investment reflected Queenslanders’ deep connection to the Reef and a clear plan to protect it.

“Preserving the Reef also protects the tourism jobs that rely on it, both now and in the future,” the Treasurer said.

“This is doing more than ever before to preserve this icon, which is such an important part of our tourism economy and local jobs.

“These are practical programs to deliver long-term benefits.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the record investment backed practical, on-ground action to protect the Reef.

“Nobody loves the Reef more than Queenslanders - it’s part of who we are,” Minister Powell said.

“This investment is about backing our farmers, our communities and our industries to do what they do best - care for the Reef and the land that flows into it.

“This is about securing the Reef for the next generation and making sure it remains a source of pride, opportunity and economic strength for Queensland.

“We’re focused on practical action that makes a real difference, because a strong, healthy Reef means a strong future for Queensland.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker 0406 331 114

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Key 2026-27 Budget initiatives include:

• A new Regional On-Ground Program to deliver place-based, catchment-driven solutions that reduce sediment, nitrogen and pesticide run-off across all six Reef regions.
• Industry-led Best Management Practice programs to help farmers improve nutrient, sediment and pesticide management through targeted support and incentives.
• Investment in stewardship, capacity building and compliance to support landholders and a productive, sustainable agricultural sector.
• Implementation of the Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy to harness the role of wetlands in improving water quality.
• Continued funding for research, innovation and water quality science.