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Background to the Reef Plan

The Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) is a nationally and internationally significant area with outstanding natural, social and economic values.

Over the last 150 years the catchments adjacent to the Reef have been extensively modified for urban infrastructure, agricultural production, tourism and mining. This modification has led to significant increases in pollutant loads in waterways. The major source of pollutants entering the Reef are the result of land use activities in the catchment areas. The sediment and nutrients from land-based sources are affecting the inshore reefs and seagrass areas of the Reef.

In order to address the decline in water quality entering the Reef, the Australian and Queensland Governments worked in partnership with a wide range of industry and community groups to develop the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). Several scientific reports prompted its development, including:

Productivity Commission Report 2003: Industries, land use and water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchment
Summary Statement of the Reef Science Panel regarding water quality in and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef

An independent audit and report to the Prime Minister and Premier on the implementation of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan was undertaken in 2005. This report provided an evaluation of progress to date and identified challenges and potential future directions. While satisfactory progress had been achieved, the 2005 report to the Prime Minister and Premier made the following recommendations to both governments to ensure it met its goals:

recommit to Reef Plan
improve consultation and communication with key stakeholders
develop more effective partnerships with stakeholders
update and publicly launch the refreshed Reef Plan
improve monitoring of land condition.

In 2008, Reef Plan passed the halfway mark of the original 10-year plan and it was considered timely to review progress and synthesise advances in knowledge that support implementation of Reef Plan and other initiatives of governments, industry and the community.

In 2009 an updated Reef Plan was launched. The updated Reef Plan was informed by the substantial work undertaken in the first five years, particularly that done by the previous Reef Water Quality Partnership, Regional Implementation Group and the Scientific Advisory Panel.

The updated Reef Plan built on the 2003 plan by targeting priority outcomes, integrating industry and community initiatives and incorporating new policy and regulatory frameworks.

Reef Plan is a joint commitment of the Queensland and Australian governments. It identifies actions that will help minimise the risk to the Reef from a decline in the quality of water entering the Reef from the adjacent catchments. The Plan is a significant part of the overall strategy of both governments to protect and preserve the Reef. It incorporates and supports the actions of government, industry and community groups that impact on Reef health and has links with a number of other legislative and planning initiatives.

Last reviewed 11 August 2009

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