A re-elected Albanese Labor Government is building Far North Queensland's future, today announcing a new program to protect and promote the Great Barrier Reef and to help more Aussie kids learn about our precious reef.
We will deliver a landmark $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF) to boost education and awareness for schools, tourism operators, and international visitors, while highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism.
The Great Barrier Reef supports around 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the economy – protecting and promoting it is vital to ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Labor's new REEF program will support:
- $6 million for a "Kids for the Reef" rebate program for schools across Australia to subsidise excursions to the Great Barrier Reef – making it easier for students to experience the Reef first-hand and understand its ecological significance.
- $1 million in support for local Reef tourism operators, covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of necessary upgrades, checks or clearances to accommodate school groups.
- $3 million to Tourism Tropical North Queensland to deliver an international educational campaign in key overseas markets, highlighting visiting the Reef is not only a breathtaking experience, but a vital way to help protect it.
This comes on top of an additional $5 million allocated to continue the highly successful Tourism Reef Protection Initiative.
The REEF program builds on the Albanese Labor Government's record investment of $1.2 billion to protect, manage and restore the Great Barrier Reef which includes:
- $180 million investment to save Reef HQ after the Liberals left it underfunded.
- Over $540 million to improve water quality, for projects like revegetation and storm water drains.
- Saved 100 jobs and created another 100 jobs by doubling the funding for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, strengthening marine research in Townsville.
- Keeping the Reef off UNESCO's World Heritage 'in danger' list.
- Employed more Indigenous rangers to manage Sea Country.
- Reduced the impacts of bycatch from fishing - working with the Queensland Government to protect species, like dugongs, turtles and scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"Labor is building Far North Queensland's future.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of our most precious and unique assets.
"We want to ensure our young people can experience the beauty of the reef while also learning about the important role it plays in our ecosystem.
"Our new REEF program is good for students, good for tourists and good for the environment."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism Don Farrell:
"This is a fantastic initiative that brings education, conservation and tourism together to help the Reef and local communities thrive.
"It will help more kids get out and see the incredible Great Barrier Reef, while supporting tourism businesses and boosting the local economy.
"The program is a unique opportunity to educate potential international visitors - we want the world to know that responsible, sustainable tourism can help protect this natural wonder for generations to come."
Quotes attributable to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek:
"Labor's REEF program will inspire the next generation to protect and restore our precious Great Barrier Reef.
"When the Coalition last had the chance to protect the Reef, they did the opposite. They cut marine parks, risked the world heritage status of the Reef, cut vital reef science jobs in regional Queensland, and delayed action on climate change.
"Under Labor, Australia protects more ocean than any other country on Earth, we have kept the Reef off UNESCO's world heritage 'in danger' list, doubled funding for marine science and approved enough renewable energy to power nearly every home.
"The choice couldn't be clearer. If you want the Reef to survive and thrive for our kids and grandkids, and to protect the 64,000 jobs it supports, you have to vote Labor."
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Nita Green:
"We have delivered historic investments to improve water quality and protect the Reef against invasive Crown of Thorn starfish.
"The REEF fund recognises the important role Tourism plays in promoting and protecting the Reef.
"The Great Barrier Reef is an important environmental and economic asset and only Labor will protect it for generations to come."
Quotes attributable to Candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith:
"The Great Barrier Reef supports so many jobs in our region - in and out of the water.
"Supporting tourism on the Great Barrier Reef supports our economy by bringing more people to the region and into our stores and restaurants.
"Only Labor is protecting the Reef for generations to come."
