Reef rescue appeal
Published on 21 March 2025
Queensland’s councils are calling on the Federal Government to back a $163m plan to protect the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
The peak body for Queensland councils, the Local Government Association of Queensland, has called on both major parties to commit to funding the Reef protection.
Today, 38 councils have launched the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan which outlines a suite of sustainable measures to secure the future of the natural wonder.
The call for the Federal Government to partner with Queensland councils to deliver the Plan’s five key initiatives is part of the LGAQ’s Federal Election campaign calling for a fairer funding deal which does not leave Queensland communities stuck in the 1970s.
“The Local Government Association of Queensland, on behalf of Reef councils and their communities, is seeking funding to deliver practical initiatives included in the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan - a suite of practical initiatives that empowers Reef councils to accelerate their efforts in protecting the Reef,” LGAQ President Matt Burnett said.
“Councils are looking to the future – which is why we can-not continue to see funding models of the past hold back our communities,” Mayor Burnett said.
“Councils are doing what they can, but more support is needed to protect and preserve the Reef for future generations.
“With the support from the Federal and State governments for initiatives contained within the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan, together we can ensure this vital and iconic environmental system remains a global treasure.”
LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith said the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan offered practical initiatives that empower Reef councils to accelerate their efforts in protecting the Reef.
“Councils and their communities cherish the Reef – for the natural wonder it is but also for the economic benefits it provides for so many communities,” Ms Smith said.
“Councils are determined to help this global treasure on their doorsteps but as the level of government that receives the least funding – just three cents in every dollar of tax received -they need financial support for these effective and sensible measures.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillor and Chair Reef Guardian Councils Executive Committee Jeff Baines said Reef councils were the single largest investors in actions contributing to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Together we are appealing to our Reef protection partners, the State and Federal governments, to support the practical initiatives that will allow us to accelerate protection of this iconic environmental system”, Councillor Baines said.
“Protecting and preserving the Reef is a collaborative effort – we need coordination between all stakeholders to deliver on the improved outcomes for Reef health we need to see – the need is urgent.”
The Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan is a plan that will overcome existing barriers to create a better ‘business as usual’ for our Reef councils and their communities, delivering lasting benefits to the Reef through five initiatives:
- Climate Risk and Resilience - mitigating and adapting to local climate-related impacts and risks ($14m)
- Cleaner Stormwater -reducing water quality risks associated with urban stormwater management ($5.26m)
- Cleaner Wastewater - reducing water quality risks associated with wastewater management ($101.25m)
- Cleaner Road Runoff - reducing water quality risks associated with unsealed roads ($12.27m)
- Healthy and Resilient Landscapes - protecting and restoring the environment and local landscapes ($30.25m)
More details on the LGAQ’s campaign, highlighting the inadequacy of the 50-year-old federal funding model continuing to support councils can be found here.
Video grabs of LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith can be viewed here.