The Strategy
The Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy is the Australian and Queensland governments modernised, evidence-based strategy to improve the quality of water flowing from catchments to the Great Barrier Reef. Built in consultation with communities, industry, landholders, Traditional Owners and experts. The Strategy supports tailored local actions building resilient landscapes, strengthening partnerships across the Reef while supporting livelihoods and cultural connection.
Developing the Strategy
The Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy builds on more than 20 years of progress. This progress has been achieved through partnerships between governments, landholders, natural resource managers, industries, research bodies, conservation groups and Traditional Owners through successive Reef Water Quality Protection Plans. The Strategy takes a whole-of-catchment approach to improve water quality and support the health and resilience of the Reef.
To develop the Strategy, extensive consultation occurred, involving over 2,500 people participating in the various engagement activities. This included public consultation on a draft Strategy, with the feedback summarised in the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy Consultation Summary .
Further consultation was conducted with the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee, Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel, Independent Science Panel, and Reef Traditional Owners from March to April 2026.
The Strategy also draws on a wide range of up-to-date information to ensure it is robust and fit for purpose. This evidence-based approach provides a strong framework to deliver long term outcomes through partnerships that improve water quality across the Reef catchments.
Sources of knowledge used to develop the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy
- 2026 Scientific Report on the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Targets
- Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan review
- 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement
- 2024 Outlook Report
- Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy
- Review of Land Management Targets
- Review of urban land management
- Review of the health of the Great Barrier Reef governance system
- Reef and regional report cards
- GBR-wide Spatial Management Prioritisation Framework
- Independent evaluation of water quality programs and projects
- Input, engagement and consultation with government, stakeholders and Traditional Owners
What we’re aiming to achieve
The Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy is part of the broader Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan. It is a modernised, evidenced-based approach built in consultation with communities, industry, landholders, Traditional Owners and scientists. The goal is to improve the quality of water flowing from the catchments, ensuring a healthier and resilient Reef for future generations.
The Strategy provides a clear framework for success, setting out:
- our vision: Healthy catchment for a healthy Reef and healthy people
- our outcomes: Healthy waterways, resilient landscapes, and empowered communities
- our priority areas: Six key focus areas to guide action and deliver measurable progress.
The Strategy empowers local communities to take actions tailored to the unique conditions of their catchments. By improving water quality, building resilient landscapes and supporting community livelihoods, the Strategy aims to ensure the long-term health of the Reef and the communities that depend on it.
Vision – Healthy catchment for a healthy Reef and healthy people
Outcomes
- Healthy waters: delivering clean water from catchments to the Reef.
- Resilient landscapes: supporting sustainable land and water use, and healthy ecosystems under a changing climate.
- Community stewardship: empowering resilient people to care for water and the catchment.
Our priority areas
Improve the quality of water flowing to the Reef
Reducing pollutants entering Reef waterways by investing in targeted on-ground projects and enhancing water treatment systems.
Repair nature and landscapes to protect the Reef
Rehabilitating natural habitats like wetlands, mangroves and seagrass meadows to improve ecosystem function and their ability to filter water, store carbon, and act as buffers against climate impacts.
Support sustainable practices across the Reef catchment
Encouraging land managers to adopt management practices that minimise soil erosion, reduce nutrient run-off, reduce emissions and conserve water resources, protecting the Reef while supporting long-term productivity and sustainable stewardship.
Strengthen capacity to care for Country
Empowering Traditional Owners and Indigenous land managers with resources and opportunities to lead, influence and actively participate in water quality improvement efforts.
Grow strong communities and regional economies while protecting the Reef
Sustaining livelihoods and cultural values by working with all levels of government, Traditional Owners, local communities, and key industries (including tourism, agriculture and fisheries) to adopt practices that protect water quality.
Enhance and share knowledge that drives action
Generating, using and integrating scientific, cultural and community knowledge systems to inform decisions, monitor progress and innovative solutions.
- Last updated
- 15 May 2026