The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem on earth and one of the best managed marine areas in the world. At 348,000 square kilometres, the reef is one of the richest and most diverse natural ecosystems on Earth.

The unique qualities of this property were recognised in 1981 when it was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Independent review of the Port of Gladstone

• Public submissions have closed

World Heritage

One of Australia's first World Heritage Areas, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem and is probably the best-known marine protected area in the world.

• More about this World Heritage Area

Strategic Assessment

The Australian Government is undertaking a comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and adjacent coastal zone.

• More about the Strategic Assessment of the Reef

Managing and Protecting the Reef

The management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef is an ongoing priority for the Australian and Queensland governments and the Marine Park Authority.

• More about what Australia has done to protect the Reef

World Heritage Committee Decision

The World Heritage Committee oversees the Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage Listing. A State Party Report on the state of conservation of the reef has been submitted to the Committee.

• More about the WHC

Latest news

• Interim Guidelines on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area for Proponents of Actions
  The Australian Government has developed interim guidelines to assist any person proposing to undertake development, activity or action that may impact on the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to decide whether the action will require approval under national environment law.
  
• Landholders and Farmers Given Support to Protect the Great Barrier Reef
  Landholders and farmers will be given assistance to reduce the run-off of damaging chemicals into the Great Barrier Reef, under a $200 million extension to the Reef Rescue program.
  

• 60,000 crown-of-thorns starfish culled to protect the Great Barrier Reef
  More than 60,000 crown-of-thorns starfish have been culled in a project to protect precious coral on the Great Barrier Reef.

• State Party Report on the Great Barrier Reef
  On 1 February 2013 the Australian Government submitted a State Party Report on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to the World Heritage Committee.

• Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum Communiqué
  On 11 December 2012 the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum was held to discuss the management and protection of this world heritage listed area.

Other news

• News from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority