Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison pledged an additional investment of over $700 million to protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change and growing environmental challenges that would support thousands of tourism jobs. The announcement comes months ahead of Australia’s federal elections.
We’re investing a further $1b to protect the Great Barrier Reef to back:
— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) January 28, 2022
👉World leading marine science
👉The deployment of new climate adaptation technology
👉Major investments in water quality programs
This will drive the Reef economy & support 64k Queenslanders & their jobs. pic.twitter.com/ZQKzGMFtOF
In a statement, Morrison said, “We are backing the health of the reef and the economic future of tourism operators, hospitality providers and Queensland communities that are at the heart of the reef economy,” adding, “Funding will support scientists, farmers and traditional owners, backing in the very latest marine science while building resilience and reducing threats from pollution in our oceans and predators such as the crown-of-thorns starfish.”
The extra funding, to be used over the next nine years, would be added to an existing $1.41 billion package announced to protect the Reef from environmental threats over the next three decades. The majority of the new funds would improve water quality by preventing land erosion, land conditions and reducing pesticides and nutrient run-off from farms. The remaining funds would be used for monitoring systems to prevent illegal fishing and target invasive species. The funding would also be used for coral seeding and climate adaption works with marine species.
Environmental group Greenpeace said it was surprising to see the government allocate more money to protect the Reef while ignoring climate change. The Morrison government has refused to strengthen Australia’s 2030 emissions target and introduce measures to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Quick reminder: climate change is the greatest threat to our precious Great Barrier Reef.
— David Ritter (@David_Ritter) January 27, 2022
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Any funding or announcement that does not meaningfully cut emissions is not a true plan to protect the Reef. #auspol
Morrison’s announcement comes after the opposition Labor party announced $163m to protect Australia's natural wonders and has often mentioned the Reef in the election fight. The opposition called the funding a publicity stunt and Labor party Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters that “the government has left tourism businesses in far north Queensland in the lurch. Now with five minutes to an election campaign, they want to pretend they care.”
One of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions, the Reef has been constantly threatened by climate change and coral bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef, comprising over 3,000 individual reefs, has lost more than half of its volume due to marine heatwaves that triggered significant bleaching events over the last five years. The Reef supports 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion annually to the economy.
Last year, the reef was close to being listed as an endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations (UN). However, after intense lobbying and international efforts, Australia could get the UN to defer the vote until early 2022. The funding also comes just days before Australia is due to send a report to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) about the reef’s condition and the government’s plans to protect it before the Organization meets in Russia this July.
The deteriorating condition of the Reef has attracted criticism for the ruling Conservative coalition’s support for fossil fuels. Morrison, who has already been accused of mishandling the country’s worst COVID-19 outbreak driven by the Omicron variant, said the investment would protect thousands of jobs dependent on the Reef in Queensland. Queensland would be a major battleground when Morrison goes for re-election in May.