The Australian Government has announced an additional $91.8 million in the May Federal Budget to strengthen protection and management of the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

The funding will strengthen Australia’s world-leading marine park management through expanded on-water operations, enhanced monitoring and scientific capability, and continued efforts to build Reef resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Of the new funding announced, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will receive $34.9 million over the next two years to support key Reef protection programs, including:

• $18.9 million for the Crown-of-thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program
• $6.6 million for the Eye on the Reef Program 
• $5 million for the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative
• $3.5 million for the Reef Joint Field Management Program

More information can be found below:

• Senator Murray Watt - Joint media release: $91.8 million for continued protection of Great Barrier Reef
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - 2026-27 budget statements