Independent research shows improving water quality in reef catchment areas is crucial to the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience. Photo: Erick Morales Oyola.
Take the plunge and have your say about the health quality of the Great Barrier Reef’s catchment areas.
The Queensland and Commonwealth governments are consulting on a new draft Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy to help support healthy reef water.
The strategy is being developed on the latest scientific research, including the independent 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement.
Its research shows improving water quality in reef catchment areas is crucial to the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience and ensuring it can recover from coral bleaching and crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks. Plus, it provides a clear link between a healthier reef and healthier landscapes.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s deputy director general Mary-Anne Curtis said the new draft strategy was built on two decades of collaboration between reef catchment communities, landholders, industry and Traditional Owners.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage-listed icon that supports a diverse ecosystem, attracts thousands of visitors annually and creates thousands of jobs,” Ms Curtis said.
“We want to get the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy right to protect and conserve the reef ecosystem by supporting landholders and community as environmental stewards, while continuing to attract national and international visitors who come to Queensland specifically to see its splendour.
“The reef is a critical foundation for Queensland’s regional economy, serving as a vital nature-based tourism asset.”
She said the latest science showed improved water quality and healthier landscapes were crucial for strengthening the reef’s resilience to the increasing impacts of climate change.
“This draft strategy is built on a fresh approach to create healthy, productive and resilient landscapes that support our people, our environment, and our economy,” she said.
“I encourage people to have their say on the draft strategy and help us ensure we have the right plan in place to protect the reef for future generations.”
Have Your Say on the draft: Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy.
Consultation is open until 19 November 2025.
