Reef Resilience

The Global Importance of the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) is the world’s largest coral reef system, spanning over 2,300 kilometres and supporting thousands of species. Its ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and provision of fish habitats, are vital for local communities and global biodiversity. The Reef also holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities. Economically, the Reef is valued conservatively at over $68bn[i] today, and contributes over $6bn annually to the Australian economy, supporting over 64,000 jobs in tourism, fishing, and research industries. If the Reef was a built infrastructure project, such as a dam4, over $1bn annually would be allocated for maintenance, and additional investment would be provided for major upgrades or repairs. In recent years, the Australian Government has significantly increased investment in the Reef and moved to a nine-year $1.2bn funding model, the largest ever investment. However, a fully funded long-term commitment to delivering on the Reef 2050 plan is required.

Recent reports show the Reef is suffering continued deterioration, with some areas experiencing irreversible damage. We risk losing this unique and valuable asset without a long-term sustained investment program.

The Reef 2050 Plan: A Framework for Sustainability
The Reef 2050 Plan outlines strategies for improving water quality, addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable use. Implementing the plan effectively to achieve these goals requires sustained and long-term funding.

[i] Deloitte Access Economics, At what price? The economic, social and icon value of the Great Barrier Reef, 2017.

Benefits to the region

Infrastructure projects typically receive long-term rolling funding to ensure sustainability. Implementing a similar 25-year investment plan with a rolling five-year works program would address the Reef’s challenges in several key areas:

Climate Change Adaptation:

• Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are a significant threat to coral health and biodiversity. The Reef 2050 Plan includes strategies to increase the Reef’s resilience.

Water Quality and Pollution:

• Poor water quality caused by sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff, plastic pollution, and coastal development stresses the Reef further. Long-term investment would ensure ongoing momentum in improved land management practices, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure.

Ecological Health and Biodiversity:

• Conservation efforts like expanding marine protected areas, coral regeneration, monitoring, and habitat protection are vital.

National Conservation Goals:

• Contribution to Australia’s 30 by 30 target, which aims to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030, aligning with global biodiversity conservation goals.

Economic Resilience and Job Creation:

•The Reef’s declining health threatens industries like tourism and fishing. A 25-year investment plan would provide economic stability, investor confidence, job creation in restoration and research and secure livelihoods for dependent communities.

Global Leadership in Environmental Protection:

•A 25-year plan would show leadership and enhance Australia’s global environmental reputation.

Indigenous Community Engagement:

•Indigenous communities have deep cultural ties to the Reef. Sustained investment to empower them in conservation efforts would ensure they benefit from sustainable management, creating pathways for economic prosperity and cultural preservation.

Last updated: February 2025