Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs

The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

The Palaszczuk Government has put the call out for projects aimed at tackling harmful sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef, announcing $6 million to repair eroded streambanks in key reef catchments.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Great Barrier Reef was an intrinsic part of Queensland’s environment, great lifestyle and good jobs.

“Pollution and climate change are the biggest threats to our reef,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Last week, we announced the great action on climate and renewables in our state’s history with the $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan – but we can’t let up on dealing with water pollution.

“We’re looking for major projects that’ll repair and reverse some of the damage caused by eroded streambanks, particularly along the Fitzroy, Herbert, Mary, Bowen Bogie, East Burdekin, O’Connell and Pioneer catchments.

“The Palaszcuzk Government has invested close to $1 billion already specifically aimed at protecting our Great Barrier Reef, with similar projects delivering great results.

“Our project at Strathalbyn Station, jointly funded through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and Greening Australia, has reduced sediment run-off to the Reef by more than 4,428 tonnes of sediment annually since 2016.

“The Burdekin Major Integrated Project which has worked with graziers in the Bowen-Broken-Bogie catchment, has remediated 24 gullies across 1,600 hectares and has saved an incredible 10,600 tonnes of sediment flowing to the reef.

“The Palaszczuk Government takes our responsibility to the reef seriously.

“The Reef is crucial not just to our environment but to Queensland’s economy, generating around $6 billion annually and supporting more than 60,000 jobs.”

Organisations are invited to submit their projects from tomorrow (Tuesday 4 October) as part of a tender process which will close at 2pm, Friday 4 November 2022.

For more information, including details on the eligibility criteria, head to QTender - DES122693.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078