UNESCO decision highlights Queensland’s commitment to the Reef

• The Crisafulli Government welcomes UNESCO’s final decision to not list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”.
• The decision follows the Crisafulli Government's recent announcement to deliver a record $330.5 million investment in the 2026-27 Budget to improve reef health.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland’s environment after a decade of decline under Labor. 

The Crisafulli Government has welcomed UNESCO’s decision on the Great Barrier Reef, which recognises the ongoing work to improve and protect one of the world’s most important natural assets.

The decision by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to not list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”, recognises ongoing efforts and investment of the Crisafulli Government, alongside the Albanese Government, to improve Reef health and water quality.

This includes a commitment of more than $2 billion through to 2032 to directly support water quality improvements, and the successful delivery of UNESCO’s recommendations since 2022.

The decision follows the Crisafulli Government’s recent announcement of a record $330.5 million investment over five years to improve water quality and strengthen the Reef’s long-term health.

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is safeguarding the Reef and delivering for Queensland’s environment, after a decade of decline under the former State Labor Government. 

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef is critical for the environment and Queensland’s economy, with the world heritage site supporting around 77,000 jobs and contributing $9 billion annually to Australia’s economy.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said UNESCO’s decision recognised the efforts of Queenslanders working to protect the Reef for future generations.

“Queenslanders care deeply about the Reef, and we welcome UNESCO’s decision because it recognises the real progress being made to protect it,” Minister Powell said.

“This is an important acknowledgement of the work happening right across Queensland to safeguard the Reef for future generations.

“Protecting the Reef is something Queenslanders are passionate about, and it’s encouraging to see that commitment recognised on the world stage.

“We know there is still more work to do, and we will keep backing practical action, guided by the best available science, to improve Reef health and strengthen our water quality efforts.

“Nobody loves the Reef more than Queenslanders, and while we welcome this decision, we’re not taking anything for granted.

“Our recent Budget delivered a record investment in the Great Barrier Reef because we know protecting it is a long-term commitment, and we’re determined to keep building on the progress that’s been made.”

UNESCO’s decision is based on two monitoring missions, including a mission undertaken in September 2025.

The next Great Barrier Reef State of Conservation report is due to UNESCO by December 2029, with a progress report scheduled for 2028.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker, 0406 331 114