Implementation

The Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy sets our shared vision, outcomes, priority areas, initiatives, and measures of success for all partners to work towards. Implementing the strategy is a collective responsibility with deliverables at a catchment, region, industry and program level.

Prioritising local needs

Each catchment and sub-catchment has unique challenges and opportunities. Prioritisation of actions will vary according to catchment and sub-catchment needs. Prioritisation and decision support tools, alongside regional plans and strategies, provide the framework and evidence to adapt to local needs.

Government leadership

The Australian and Queensland governments role is to lead, facilitate, coordinate and monitor the work of partners to deliver on the Strategy’s priority areas and outcomes. Together, the governments ensure actions align with national and state policies and drive progress across sectors.

Partner roles

Every partner has an important role to play. Actions should be aligned with the Strategy’s priority areas to help everyone understand how their efforts continue to contribute to the shared outcomes. When developing policies, strategies, programs and initiatives to improve Reef catchment health and water quality, it is important to identify alignment with the Strategy’s goals. The alignment will be coordinated through the Paddock to Reef program and reflected in the Reef report cards so that all measures being taken by partners and participants are being recognised.

Funding and investment

The Strategy is backed by significant, long-term funding from the government and partners. However, the scale of investment required is significant, additional support is required. This includes opportunities for market-based instruments, private sector funding and philanthropic partnerships.

Key government investment sources include:

Queensland Government

• Queensland Reef Water Quality Program
• Natural Resource Management Expansion Program,
• Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program
• Land Restoration Fund .

The Australian Government

• Reef Trust.
• National Environmental Science Program Tropical Water Quality Hub (NESP TWQ) program.
• Traditional Owner Water Quality Program.
• Reef Guardian Councils (Reef Authority).

Government investment and implementation priorities against the Strategy are captured in funding program plans and annual reporting.

Implementation framework

An implementation framework has been developed to guide delivery partners in designing projects or programs of work that aim to improve water quality within Reef catchments. This framework ensures that efforts are targeted, effective and aligned with the Strategy’s goals.

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By working together, we can protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. Every action counts, and every partner plays a vital role in achieving this shared vision.