One of the Great Barrier Reef's biggest threats will be tackled, as the federal government ramps up efforts to protect the world heritage site. or signup to continue reading Nutrient and pesticide run-off from nearby farms can reduce the reef's water quality, which affects seagrasses, mangroves and species reliant on the biome. It also impacts the reef's ability to recover after bleaching events, which are occurring more frequently as climate change heats up its waters.
In response, the federal government revealed it would spent another $192 million to improve water quality and bolster efforts to protect the reef Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says the funding will help the communities and industries dependent on the Great Barrier Reef. "Sediment run-off is one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef," she said on Friday. "We want to make sure the beauty and majesty of the reef can be enjoyed by our kids and grandkids.
" The government's money will help fund on-farm precision irrigation, flood-plain management and nutrient efficiency programs to improve water quality flow into the reef. Other schemes will take aim at invasive animals such as feral pigs, which damage soil and wetlands, impacting the reef. Land managers, First Nations people and environment groups will be provided money to help replant native species and take on engineering projects to help trap sediment and improve soil conditions.
The world's largest living structure experienced its fifth mass bleaching event in eight years during the 2023-24 summer The federal government has also committed $100 million to rebuild the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in north Queensland, after lobbying by the local community. The Townsville aquarium, also known as Reef HQ, was opened in 1987 by then-Labor prime minister Bob Hawke and has been home to a reef education centre and a living coral reef. It has been temporarily closed since 2021 to allow for an upgrade and maintenance and has been in a state of disuse for years.
But the Commonwealth's new injection announced on Friday will bring total government money to $180 million and allow rebuilding work to begin. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will have a new purpose-built facility for reef education and be able to provide immersive experiences attracting domestic and international visitors, the government said. "This is absolutely vital," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC radio.
"Like Bob, we want to create the Great Barrier Reef on land, making the reef accessible and affordable while spreading the reef conservation message and inspiring action to protect this spectacular natural icon." The project is expected to create more than one thousand jobs and give Townsville an economic boost worth millions of dollars. Mr Albanese is in Townsville to attend The Courier Mail Bush Summit, alongside state premier Steven Miles and federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
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