A new analysis warns that the federal government’s current funding of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef is insufficient, and that improving the water quality around the Reef will cost some A$785 Million over five years, with an overall investment of more than A$1.7 Billion past the year 2020. 

Six regional natural resources management groups in Queensland say that further funding will be “essential” to improve the health of the world heritage-listed ecosystem (.pdf link).  It lists a number of threats to the major tourist destination and a rich marine habitat – with rising sea temperatures and agricultural runoff being at the top of the list.  Nitrogen is causing the destruction of coral by outbreaks of Crown of Thorns starfish. Just reducing the amount of chemicals flowing onto the reef, will cost $175 Million over the next five years.

The report warns, “managing, repairing and protecting the reef is not a start-stop-restart activity,” and that steady investment and regular reviews will be necessary. 

The Great Barrier Reef’s eco-system is expected to come under further strain with the proposed expansion of ports to export coal.