
About this document
The Reef Trust is one of the key mechanisms assisting in the delivery of the Reef 2050 Plan, and focuses on known critical areas for investment – improving water quality and coastal habitat along the Great Barrier Reef, controlling the current outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish, and protecting threatened and migratory species, particularly dugong and turtles.
This phase of investment builds on two previous phases of investment through the Reef Trust. It announces a third phase of actions that will contribute to the long-term sustainable management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the Reef catchments.
Through this strategy, the Australian Government will provide $56 million over four years towards improved management practices for sugarcane farmers, reduced erosion in grazing lands and improved water quality in grains, dairy and horticulture industries. These three key actions focus squarely on reducing key pollutants – sediment, nutrients and pesticides - to strive towards our ambitious targets for improved water quality entering the Reef lagoon.
In this third phase of investment, the Reef Trust will also partner with Greening Australia to deliver a project for the restoration and repair of priority wetlands and coastal ecosystems along the Great Barrier Reef. The Australian Government will provide up to $2 million in funding for this project, matching dollar-for-dollar funds to be raised by Greening Australia and its partners. This innovative project is the first, exciting step towards further collaboration with the private and philanthropic sectors to enhance and continue our investment in combating the highest priority threats to the Reef.