The Albanese Government has announced an extra $50 million to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. 

Poor water quality is one of the most significant threats to a healthy Reef. Poor quality run-off from eroded gullies and riverbanks flows into nearby catchments and causes higher algal growth, higher concentrations of pollutants, and reduced light.

This not only affects seagrasses, mangroves and other species that live on the Reef, it compromises the Reef’s resilience to threats like climate change. 

The government says its investment will support landowners, Traditional Owners and environment groups to carry out projects to repair land in Reef catchments that stop nearby erosion, support revegetation and manage the impact of grazing. 

As well as improving water quality, these projects will also restore native habitats and increase carbon sequestration, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Additionally, with a hot summer arriving, the Government says it is preparing to monitor and protect the Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is reportedly convening a workshop with marine and climate experts, Traditional Owners and industry to evaluate the summer outlook and discuss a coordinated response, if required.