Australian Government Spends $200 Million to Protect the Great Barrier Reef
As I mentioned the other day, the Australian government, in its 2008 federal budget, announced increased spending on environmental issues.
This includes $200 million to go towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The package is being called “Reef Rescue” and aims to tackle climate change and improve water quality around the Great Barrier Reef. Given the Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world, this is welcome news.
A large part of the funding will go towards grants to landowners and managers. The main aim with this is to reduce sediment from entering the waters around the Great Barrier Reef. Currently, water quality around the reef is being affected by this pollution from the land.
Reef Rescue Allocation
Reef Rescue is divided up into 5 different parts:
- Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Grants ($146 million)
- Healthy Reef Partnerships program ($12 million)
- Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Research and Development program ($10 million)
- Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting program ($22 million)
- Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships program ($10 million)
Here’s an explanation of each of these parts (taken from the official budget website):
Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Grants ($146 million)
The majority of these funds will be provided in the form of matching grants (with matching funding) to landowners and managers who commit to implementing proven practices that reduce loss of nutrients and sediments, while improving farm productivity. This will be delivered in partnership with peak industry groups and existing regional Natural Resource Management groups.
Healthy Reef Partnerships program ($12 million)
A program to build partnerships between peak industry organisations and non-government organisations that support landowners with increased local expertise and extension staff. It will build on existing programs in rural industry bodies and regional NRM groups.
Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Research and Development program ($10 million)
To improve our understanding of the link between land management practices and environmental impacts. Research priorities will be determined in consultation with the Queensland Government, universities and research organisations, and other stakeholders.
Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting program ($22 million)
This funding will allow further development and implementation of a coordinated catchment-wide water quality monitoring and measurement program with established criteria and targets. The funding will also provide for the annual publication of a Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Report Card.
Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships program ($10 million)
This program will build the capacity of traditional owner groups in sea country management. The funds will be used to strengthen communications between local communities, managers and reef stakeholders and build a better understanding of Traditional Owner issues about the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Funding will also be available for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to allow for the expansion of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements across the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Reef Rescue will play an important role in the survival of the Great Barrier Reef. Let’s hope it’s not too late.
Tags: Climate Change, great barrier reef, reefs
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 am
“No doubt it will take dedication and persistance to get these grants, as it does with all grants, but, with the opportunity to make a difference to the environment and reduce the cost of living, why not?
This article brings clarity to a subject where there is so much misinformation and one is inspired to give it a try. Thank you.”