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The Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

Our Great Barrier Reef is a global treasure. It is the largest living structure on earth and Queensland councils are serious about saving it.

The LGAQ represents the Reef councils, the 32 local governments that are the elected representatives of their communities and guardians of the 2,300 kilometres of Queensland coastline bordering the Great Barrier Reef. Ensuring the cleanest possible waters reach the Reef bolsters our magnificent corals’ resilience against impacts like bleaching and crown of thorns attacks.

The need is urgent.

Fast Facts
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A world heritage icon
The Great Barrier Reef has an economic, social and icon asset value of $56 billion.
An economic stimulator
The Reef supports 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the Australian economy.
The pride of our coastal communities
More than 1.2 million people live within the 32 local government areas along the coastal fringes of the Great Barrier Reef. A further two million tourists visit annually.
REEF PROTECTION ICON
Queensland's most precious asset
Reef councils conservatively invest around $230 million per annum on activities that directly benefit the reef.
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A treasure needing protection
Ensuring the cleanest possible waters reach the Reef bolsters our magnificent corals’ resilience against impacts like bleaching and crown of thorns attacks.
Reef Councils Rescue Plan: Cleaner water for the Reef
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The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2019 has declared the Reef’s overall outlook has deteriorated from poor to very poor, largely attributable to the impacts of climate change and land-based run-off.

Together, we are appealing to our partners in the protection of the Reef – the Australian and Queensland Governments, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and other natural allies – for support of an initiative to ensure that cleaner water flows sooner from our communities to the sea.

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A genuine commitment to the Great Barrier Reef this federal election
Whitsundays Regional Council Mayor Andrew Wilcox - on why the Great Barrier Reef should be a key issue this Federal election.
Get behind the Great Barrier Reef
Reef councils came together and identified the need for a collaborative and integrated response to the Reef 2050 Plan.
Why it's time to get real about the reef
In 2015 - 2016, Queensland councils invested $228 million into conserving the reef. This means local government is the single largest investor in the reef and natural resource management in Queensland.
Our seventh wonder of the world: Qld council's plan for the reef
As you know, here at the LGAQ we have a drought strategy, a water security strategy and today I’d like to talk about our plan for the reef – our 7th wonder of the world and a true Queensland icon.
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