The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1billion, nine-year commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said Queensland councils were acutely aware of the importance of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Queensland’s 32 Reef catchment councils are already the single largest investor in Reef conservation. We estimate their investment is more than $228 million per year,” Ms Smith said.
“On behalf of our members we have been seeking a commitment from both the State and Federal governments to match this funding to address issues such as water quality in a bid to protect the Reef and the 64,000 Queensland jobs it supports.
“This investment announced today by the Federal Government is crucial to protecting the Reef’s intrinsic environmental, cultural and economic value into the future.”
Ms Smith noted Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese had this month pledged to spend $163 million on Great Barrier Reef protection projects and research as part of his pre-Election campaign.
“It’s great to see both sides of politics pledging support to protect the Great Barrier Reef and councils stand ready to work in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure the right projects are funded to get the best results for the Reef and the local communities that rely on it.”
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, External Relations Director
Local Government Association of Queensland