The Australian Government is investing up to $80M for two new Reefwise Programs to improve the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
Two new initiatives - the $50 million Reefwise Wetlands Grants Program and $30 million Reefwise Urban Program are designed to:
- maximise water quality outcomes
- enhance ecosystems services
- support co-benefits to accelerate actions to meet Reef 2050 targets.
Grant applications are open now for projects under the Reefwise Wetlands program for projects that rehabilitate, restore and modify large scale Reef wetland and riparian systems.
The Reefwise Urban Program will fund activities that reduce water pollution from urban sources within priority Reef catchments, including stormwater runoff and wastewater discharges. Funding applications are not currently being sought for the Reefwise Urban Program.
These programs are in addition to the $30 million Reefwise Farming Program announced in August 2024 as part of the $192 million Clearer Water for a Healthy Reef funding package.
This funding is part of the Australian Government's record $1.2 billion investment to protect and restore the Reef.