$3 million funding boost for the Reef

Government provides $3 million to be matched through fundraising to improve Reef Water quality

The Queensland Government today (Sunday) announced it would provide $3 million to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation over the next three years, provided the private sector and philanthropists match it dollar for dollar to fund projects that will boost the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef Dr Steven Miles said the Great Barrier Reef Foundation had been working with the private sector for many years to boost investment into Reef science and management and has plans to increase its fundraising efforts, including through a number of new philanthropic programs.

“We will match every dollar the Foundation raises for priority water quality projects up to $1 million each year for three years, starting next financial year,” Dr Miles said.

“Projects will be aimed specifically at encouraging practical on-ground activities which will drive progress towards our ambitious Reef water quality targets’.

Dr Miles said the matched funding approach would enable philanthropic organisations as well as the private sector to directly contribute to practical on-ground projects aimed at restoring and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce recommended we seek to leverage the government’s investment as much as possible with co-investment and public-private partnerships.

“We know that achieving the targets will require investment well beyond that allocated by both governments currently and this is a terrific opportunity to work with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to broaden investment into the Reef and give it a fighting chance,” he said.

“Working together I believe the Foundation and the Queensland Government will be able to raise a significant amount of money, with funds to go towards addressing one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef – that being poor water quality.

“I thank the Great Barrier Reef Foundation for its continuing efforts in raising and directing vital funds to support the wide range of activities aimed at supporting the ongoing health of our greatest natural asset.”

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Chairman Dr John Schubert welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment to match public, corporate and philanthropic donations to the Foundation.

“We have seen a record number of enquiries and donations to the Foundation in recent months, as people become more aware of the major challenges facing the Reef, like the global coral bleaching event,’ Dr Schubert said.

“This commitment from the Queensland Government is only going to further motivate people to support the work we’re doing to ensure the Great Barrier Reef is here for future generations.

“I’d encourage everyone to visit the website at www.barrierreef.org to find out how to get involved, because everyone’s actions, big and small, can make a difference,’ he said.