50 YEARS OF GREAT BARRIER REEF PROTECTION

Today marks 50 years since the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 was granted royal assent, signing into law the creation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The watershed legislation was developed following a nationwide campaign, led by pioneering conservationists John Büsst and Judith Wright, among many others, to protect the Great Barrier Reef from drilling for oil and proposed coral harvesting for agricultural limestone.

Since the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act was passed, the Marine Park has been managed to provide for the protection, sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef through the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Act also established the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the statutory body responsible for the protection of the Marine Park and further enabled a partnership with the Queensland Government ­—a partnership that continues to this day through the Reef Joint Field Management Program.

“The Great Barrier Reef is part Australia’s national heritage, and we have a duty to protect and care for the Reef so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come,” Minister Watt said.

“With the support of Traditional Owners, whose knowledge, connection to sea Country, and guardianship of the Reef long predate its designation as a Marine Park, we remain committed to protecting this globally significant place.”

“Since the first Zoning Plan in 1981 and the ambitious expansion of no-take zones in 2004, the management of the Great Barrier Reef is recognised as a global example of marine protection best practice, with benefits ranging from the resurgence of vulnerable species to faster recovery from impacts.

“Today the Reef is facing new challenges, most notably from climate change. Its long-term health depends on effective management practices and a steadfast global commitment to net zero by 2050.” 

Through the Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan, initiatives including the Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program, targeted blue carbon ecosystem restoration projects, stronger fisheries management, and water quality improvement are now part of wider Reef protection measures.

Other measures include the recently announced $30 million Traditional Owner Water Quality Program, which will further harness the knowledge of First Nations people to improve the quality of water flowing to the Reef.

“The Reef is resilient but not invincible. The Albanese Government has already invested a record $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s imperative that we continue to evolve and innovate our Reef management practices in the face of growing environmental pressures,” Minister Watt said.

“We are committed to ensuring the Reef remains a World-Heritage icon and beacon of biodiversity into the future.”