Warning as Great Barrier Reef avoids ‘in danger’ listing
UNESCO recently recommended against listing the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger” with recommendations that more protection work needs to be done.
The State Government welcomed UNESCO’s draft decision to not label the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger following its recent announcement to invest a record $330.5 million for the improved health of the reef in the 2026-27 Budget.
This investment was expected to improve water quality, support practical action across reef catchments and deliver the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy.
The State Government claimed the UNESCO decision confirmed both the state and national governments were delivering on all of UNESCO’s agreed recommendations, including improved water quality, restored wetlands, and stronger management of runoff and fisheries.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Queensland’s most valuable assets, providing more than 77,000 jobs across the state and injecting more than $9 billion to the economy annually.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the draft decision recognised the efforts of Queenslanders working to protect the reef for future generations.
“Our focus remains on practical action and delivering outcomes that protect the reef and support the regional communities and jobs that depend on it,” Powell said.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in practical action that protects the Reef and the communities and businesses that rely on it.”
Wilderness Society’s Queensland Campaigns Manager Emily Dickson said the UNESCO recommendations would see Australia facing an 18-month deadline on reef water quality as international pressure intensifies.
“The World Heritage Committee has announced that the Australian and Queensland Governments must report on water quality in 18 months and provide a conservation report by 2029,” Dickson said.
Stay informed, daily
“Following disastrous water quality results largely driven by deforestation in Great Barrier Reef catchments, the international community will continue to be watching reef catchments with a magnifying glass.”
She said that in order to keep the reef off the “in danger” list permanently, the Australian government must take decisive action to end the destruction of Queensland’s forest and bushland, saying this was directly fuelling global warming.
On February 1, 2026, Australia submitted its State Party Report on the conservation of the reef to UNESCO, in response to the World Heritage Committee’s July 2025 decision to consider listing the reef as “in danger”.
Want to see more stories from InDaily Qld in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily Qld as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily Qld". That's it.
