Reef Water Quality Protection Plan
The Great Barrier Reef is under pressure from many factors, one of these factors is the poor quality of water running into it from adjacent catchments. Significant amounts of nutrients, sediments and pesticides are entering the Reef, primarily from broad scale agricultural land use. This is impacting on the health of the Reef and affecting its capacity to withstand and recover from climate change related impacts, such as coral bleaching events and increased storm intensity.
About the Reef Plan
In 2003, the Australian and Queensland governments put in place a Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) to address the issue. The Reef Plan is a framework for the two governments to work together, along with industry, regional natural resource bodies and others to improve the quality of water flowing into the Reef.
The Reef Plan was recently updated with a refreshed Reef Plan announced in September 2009.
The updated Reef Plan reflects a more concerted and accelerated approach by the governments.
Caring for our Country
Reef Rescue
The Australian Government is supporting the Reef Plan through its Caring for our Country initiative, which includes the $200 million Reef Rescue package.
Through Reef Rescue, the government is providing assistance to farmers and land managers in Reef catchments to increase the adoption of improved land management practices that reduce runoff of nutrients, pesticides and sediment from agricultural lands.
