Young people across regional NSW can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities during the upcoming school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break program.
The initiative ensures regional youth have access to free enriching, educational and enjoyable experiences during the school holidays, breaking down financial barriers and making these opportunities accessible to all.
The program will deliver a total of 800 free events across the summer and autumn school holidays, including a wide variety of activities designed to engage, inspire and connect young people in regional areas.
With the summer school holidays just around the corner, young people can look forward to 500 exciting activities across the state, including tennis, rugby, cricket and basketball, alongside creative workshops and outdoor adventures.
Music and dance workshops offer opportunities for collaboration and performance, while rock climbing, pool parties and barefoot bowls are fun supervised social events.
Other unique experiences include a ‘Paint a Skateboard’ workshop, an introduction to aeromodelling and cultural programs that celebrate and teach Aboriginal culture.
“The Holiday Break program is a great way to support young people in regional NSW by offering a wide range of free activities that help them stay active, explore new interests and build meaningful connections with their peers.
“In total, the program will deliver 800 free activities across regional NSW over the summer and autumn holidays, making sure kids are learning and having new experiences with their peers.”
NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“This program is about making sure that every young person, no matter where they live, has the chance to try something new, develop their skills and have fun with their friends.
“As families face increasing financial pressures, this program offers young people the chance to create lasting memories without the added cost, making school holidays more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”
Club Manager at Gunnedah PCYC Jessica Blair said:
“PCYC Broken Hill and PCYC Gunnedah’s Holiday Break program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of young people in regional areas.
“For many young people in these communities, school holidays can be a time of isolation, with limited recreational options available.
“By offering structured, supervised activities like the 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Menindee and multisport programs in Wee Waa and Wilcannia, the program helps keep young people engaged in positive, social activities.
“Many of the activities are designed to enhance physical fitness, mental well-being and life skills, all while providing an alternative to the challenges that come with long school holidays in regional communities.”
The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to expand high potential and gifted education opportunities across NSW public schools, with 13 targeted schools set to receive a share in $50 million for specialist school facilities.
The funding will deliver upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.
This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities in all NSW public schools.
Work with these partner schools is the first step in the NSW Government’s expansion of access to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities across NSW public schools. Staff at these targeted schools will work with HPGE experts to deliver more opportunities that challenge and extend students to reach their potential.
These opportunities include activities such as class-level acceleration programs, inter-school competitions and tournaments, and statewide opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, the Premier’s Spelling Bee, the Gamechanger Challenge in design thinking, the Schools Spectacular and inter-school debating championships.
Priority schools have been chosen across metropolitan and regional NSW based on identified student needs, population growth, and schools’ capacity to accommodate increased enrolments.
Marrickville High School, which has had a 50 per cent lift in school enrolments since 2021, will be among the first schools to benefit from the new program, with funding to go towards an upgraded hall and science labs, improved music and performance spaces and modernising outdated food technology facilities.
The investment will help broaden educational opportunities at the school through access to state-of-the-art learning resources such as STEM provisions and dedicated creative arts, performance and sports facilities.
The 13 partner schools are:
Batemans Bay High School
Bowral High School
Canobolas Rural Technical High School, Orange
Chifley College Dunheved Campus
JJ Cahill High School, Mascot
Kooringal High School, Wagga Wagga
Lake Macquarie High School
Lithgow High School
Marrickville High School
Matraville Sports High School
South Sydney High School
Tamworth High School
Windsor High School
The NSW Government and Department of Education is working closely with the partner schools to identify infrastructure investments that would best support student opportunities.
In addition to the facilities upgrades, teachers at the partner schools will receive dedicated professional learning to assist with identifying and rolling out more High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities for their students.
Broader professional learning will also be provided to teachers in all NSW public schools as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expanding access to High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities across the system.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:
“We want every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential at school, with high expectations for achievement.
“Through our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education across our state’s schools, parents can be confident that their local public school will bring out the absolute best in their child.
“NSW public schools already offer a free world class education, the addition of these programs will only enhance that offer.
“The investment in specialist facilities like science and technology labs and creative performance spaces will enhance opportunities for students to nurture their talents in our high schools.”
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:
“We know all our schools have high potential and gifted students. Creating classroom and school environments where students are encouraged to achieve excellence in their learning will mean all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will have the opportunity to flourish.”
Marrickville High School principal Steve Holz said:
“This additional support in delivering high-quality programs for all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will further boost our school’s increasingly positive reputation within the community.
“We want our school to be the school of choice for the parents and students in our area and this program will help us in achieving that goal.”
Healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee region will soon have access to more key worker accommodation with the delivery of new self-contained accommodation units to Leeton District Hospital.
Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program, three modular units have arrived at Leeton to support staff who require short to long term accommodation while working at the hospital.
The self-contained units are being installed on the corner of Wade Avenue on the hospital site, providing access to modern, fit for purpose accommodation for healthcare workers wanting to relocate to Leeton to work.
The prefabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the KWA Program Prototype Unit completed earlier this year, similar to accommodation units already delivered in West Wyalong, Narrandera and Finley.
The new units will be fully furnished and include a screened veranda, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and an internal laundry.
Final installation, the connection of services, fencing, landscaping and furnishing of the new units will now take place, with healthcare workers expected to move into the new accommodation early next year when the units are completed.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for healthcare workers under the KWA Program.
Under the Key Worker Accommodation Program, 39 accommodation units have been delivered to rural and regional locations across the state, including 15 units in the Murrumbidgee region. On top of this the Minns Labor Government has committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the State as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.
Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:
“In October, I visited the site where the key worker accommodation at Leeton District Hospital will be located and it is fantastic to know it is now not far off from this being ready to occupy.
“During this visit, one of the key issues I kept hearing about was issues with staffing, and difficulties faced with attracting and retain healthcare workers, and housing is a key factor.
“Securing suitable accommodation in regional areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.”
Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
“The Leeton community has a lot to offer, and I am looking forward to seeing healthcare workers take this opportunity to make the move here, with this modern and comfortable accommodation option now available.
“The provision of modern and self-contained accommodation units will go a long way in removing one of the barriers to attracting healthcare staff to localities such as Leeton.”
Far West NSW communities have access to a safer, more resilient and smoother Pooncarie Road following completion of historic $48.8 million Australian and NSW Government-funded sealing projects.
The Australian Government invested $31.7 million and the NSW Government contributed $17.1 million to the projects, which were delivered by Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council between 2021 and 2024.
Before the projects were delivered, an 87.5-kilometre stretch of Pooncarie Road between Menindee and Pooncarie had a dirt surface that meant motorists had to deal with a less safe surface, slower travel times and regular road closures after heavy rainfall leaving some communities cut off for weeks at a time.
The sealing projects completed in recent months have led to easier access to essential services communities rely on, while also boosting freight efficiency and improving access to tourism opportunities, including for visitors to the popular Menindee Lakes.
More than 75 people worked on the sealing projects which also provided a boost to local employment.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“These important road sealing projects have involved many people in the local community and I’m pleased to hear all the hard work that has gone into it has paid off.
“This has been a big job and a joint effort – and one which the Australian Government has been proud to invest in.
“I’m particularly pleased to see that as a result of these projects, all vehicles, including caravans, can now enjoy year-round access to the mighty Menindee Lakes and Mungo National Park.”
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“The full sealing of Pooncarie Road has cut travel times by around 90 minutes between Menindee and Wentworth.
“Previously some vehicles had to do 20 km/h along parts of the dirt road and it could be impassable when there was wet weather.
“It’s great to hear reports of increased tourism numbers to Menindee and Pooncarie since the sealing took place.
“The NSW Government is proud to have invested in such significant projects in the state’s Far West. These projects have delivered major safety, economic and social benefits to some of our important outback communities.”
Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:
“The previous deficiencies of this route were acutely felt by communities who use Pooncarie Road.
“Completing this upgrade is huge news for everyone who relies on what is one of the region’s major arterial routes.
“Pooncarie Road now more safely and reliably provides vital connections to emergency and health services, schools, and employment opportunities.”
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
“This project has been a real game changer for local communities with motorists now able to travel on a reliable road surface that’s much safer and resilient to wet weather.
“Improved access for tourists, locals and freight services will benefit these Far West communities including the western pastoralists who are operating sheep, goat and cattle industries in the area.”
State Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
“These projects are a good example of all three levels of government working together to make this long overdue sealing a reality.
“I’m happy more of our communities are benefiting from better roads.”
Member of the NSW Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence:
“Our investments in a better Pooncarie Road will benefit current and future generations for many years to come.
“Rural and regional communities rely on roads for so much of their well-being and I am pleased to see these improvements to Far West roads being delivered.”
Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater:
“This is a transformative milestone for our region.
“The sealing of Pooncarie Road, connecting Pooncarie to Menindee, is a game-changer for tourism, road users, and local economies.
“Reliable year-round access makes travelling safer and more enjoyable while opening up new opportunities for local businesses, with Pooncarie already seeing travellers arriving earlier than ever before.
“I commend both Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council working together to deliver this vital upgrade.
“The improved connectivity benefits communities across both shires, strengthens regional ties, supports freight and supply chains, and draws more visitors to iconic destinations.
“We are proud to have partnered with the Australian and NSW governments on these major projects. I look forward to seeing the lasting economic and social benefits these projects will bring to our communities and beyond.”
Central Darling Shire Council General Manager Greg Hill:
“Central Darling Shire Council appreciates the funding support from the Australian and NSW governments because the road desperately needed to be sealed for road safety reasons.
“Now we can keep the road open during wet conditions, benefiting both residents and tourists.
“This is a significant achievement. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in these projects over the last three years including our Shire Services Director, and the project manager for council, Reece Wilson, and his team.
“These are major projects for not only our shire but also the Far West region. The benefits will be long lasting. We also expect to see more tourists visiting the area now that the road is sealed.”
A year after launching the state’s first arts, culture and creative industries policy, the NSW Government has made a range of key Board and Trust appointments to drive implementation of the policy and grow the creative industries in NSW. The appointments recognise the role the NSW Cultural Institutions play in supporting the arts and creative industries.
Released in December 2023 the Creative Communities policy commits to a whole-of-government approach to sustainably grow the creative industries – to advocate for, invest in and enable the creative and cultural ecosystem across the state to realise its potential.
Collectively, the state’s Cultural Institutions reach across all disciplines within the creative industries, engaging almost 19 million visitors annually through their doors, and supporting over 2,500 direct jobs.
New appointments are:
Michael Rose AM, Chairman of the Committee for Sydney and Greater Sydney Parklands Authority appointed as President of the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees.
The Hon. Peter Collins,former Minister for the Arts, and former Treasurer, appointed to the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees
Emile Sherman,Academy Award winning producer, appointed to the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees
Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM,Australia’s Chief Scientist, appointed to the Australian Museum Trust
The Hon. David Borger,former Minister for Education and Minister for Transport,appointed as Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trust President
Linda Scott, former City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, appointedas Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trustee
Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills and former Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, appointed as Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trustee
The Hon. Bob Carr, former NSW Premier, NSW Minister for the Arts and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, appointed as Chair of the Museums of History NSW
The Hon. Rob Stokes,formerMinister for Cities, Minister for Education, Minister for Planning and Public Spacesappointed to the Museums of History NSW board
The Hon. Bob Debus AM, former Minister Assisting the Minister for Arts, appointed as Library Council President
Professor Jennifer Barrett, University of SydneyPro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous (Academic) appointed to the State Library of NSW Library Council
Troy Bramston, senior columnist with The Australian newspaper, appointed to the State Library of NSW Library Council
Minister for Arts John Graham said:
“I wish to thank each of the outgoing trustees and presidents. The government and the people of NSW are fortunate that you have generously volunteered your time, your expertise, your networks and your passion.
“In particular, I would like to acknowledge the work of the outgoing chairs and presidents – David Gonski, Peter Collins, George Souris and Mary O’Kane. As an incoming Minister I have relied upon each of you for your advice. Your contributions are a gift of public service to support culture.
“A year after the launch of Creative Communities, the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries policy, I am pleased to have an opportunity to appoint a number of new chairs and boards of key state institutions. I look forward to working with them to implement the policy and grow the creative industries in NSW.”
Incoming chair of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Michael Rose said:
“The Art Gallery of New South Wales plays an important role in the cultural and creative life of Sydney. Its influence and significance have strengthened under David Gonski’s leadership.
“I am honoured to be appointed to succeed David as President of the Board of Trustees and I am looking forward to working with the trustees and the Art Gallery’s executive team as the Art Gallery continues its extraordinary work and extends its invitation to even wider audiences across Sydney, Australia and the world.”
Outgoing chair of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, David Gonski said:
“The Art Gallery of New South Wales is in my view the beating cultural heart of Sydney. Every director, president, trustee, staff member and artist who has, over the Art Gallery’s more than 150-year history, walked its floors has contributed to the evolution of this beloved and vital institution. It has been a privilege to witness the Art Gallery’s transformation into a truly world class art museum enriching Sydney’s cultural life and positioning itself to continue to serve the people of New South Wales for generations to come.”
Incoming chair of the Museums of History NSW, Bob Carr said:
“My affection for and fascination with history is well known. I spoke last week at my first board meeting about elevating history in NSW, engaging with the public about history. Not about any single enforced narrative, but on the basis that history is many stories and they jostle with one another.
Outgoing chair of the Museums of History NSW, Mary O’Kane said:
“It has been my privilege to chair the board of Museums of History NSW, the State’s first cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of our history. Museums of History NSW has an important role in making history accessible, through our archives, heritage properties and collections.
“Bob Carr is the perfect appointment for MHNSW. I wish him and the Board well in their continued work in enhancing opportunities for people to understand and participate in the history of NSW.”
Incoming chair of the State Library of New South Wales, Bob Debus said:
“I cherish the great cultural institutions of our state and it’s a particular honour to be moving to this position at the State Library. I think libraries are getting more important, not less, as the technological revolution continues.”
Outgoing chair of the State Library of New South Wales, George Souris said
“The Library’s reputation and its position in the CBD of Sydney makes it a magnet for scholars, researchers and students alike, and its regular exhibitions offer the people of NSW and tourists something that always astounds the visitor by the unexpected extent of the treasures held,”
“I applaud the appointment of former Arts Minister Bob Debus; he is the perfect appointment to continue to enhance the standing and place making of this greatly loved public institution,”
Incoming President of the Powerhouse Museum Trust, David Borger said:
“After serving on the Powerhouse Museum Trust for the past six years, I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of President. The Powerhouse Museum is Australia’s largest museum group and occupies a special place in the cultural landscape of NSW. Over the new few years, we will open Powerhouse Parramatta, the state’s first cultural institution in Western Sydney which will engage audiences of all ages with spectacular exhibitions across the applied arts and sciences. This iconic new museum will transform Parramatta’s CBD and attract visitors from overseas and interstate to Western Sydney. We will also reopen the much-loved Powerhouse Ultimo after a heritage revitalization, reorienting the museum’s entrance to enliven the local area and attract a new generation of visitors.”
Outgoing President of the Powerhouse Museum Trust, the Hon. Peter Collins AM KC said
“The Powerhouse Museum Trust President is entrusted with guiding the nation’s leading applied arts and sciences museum, and it has been my great honor and privilege to serve in this role for the past four years as this 143-year-old institution undergoes an unprecedented renewal. The Powerhouse is a beloved institution, and it will be a transformative presence in Western Sydney when the visionary new museum Powerhouse Parramatta opens. I’m pleased to hand over the baton as Trust President to my fellow Trustee David Borger who I know will do a wonderful job guiding the museum in the lead-up to opening Powerhouse Parramatta and reopening Powerhouse Ultimo.”
Background
The NSW Cultural Institutions are the: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian Museum, Museum of Applied Arts and Applied Sciences (the Powerhouse Museum), Museums of History NSW, State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House.
Destination NSW has also seen a refresh of their board.
Below is a summary of recent new or renewed appointments:
Institution
New or renewed appointments
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Michael Rose AM (Chair)The Hon. Peter CollinsEmile ShermanSally Herman OAMCaroline RothwellParis Neilson
Australian Museum
Dr Cathy FoleyJosephine Sukkar AMProfessor Larissa Behrendt AO
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences(known as the Powerhouse Museum)
The Hon. David Borger OAM (Chair)Linda ScottProfessor Barney GloverBeau NeilsonProfessor Robynne Quiggin
Museums of History NSW
The Hon. Bob Carr (Chair)Penelope Seidler AMThe Hon. Rob Stokes
State Library of NSW
The Hon. Bob Debus (Chair)Troy BramstonProfessor Jenny BarrettRobert Cameron AO
The attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue was an atrocious act.
Antisemitism has no place in Australia and we unequivocally condemn it.
Today the Albanese Government committed $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to further enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools.
This significant funding increase comes in addition to the $25 million grant to the ECAJ announced in October 2023, and funding for Jewish community sites under the Albanese Government’s $50 million Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.
These additional funds will support the ECAJ, in collaboration with Community Security Groups and the National Council for Jewish Community Security, to address risks faced by the Jewish community in light of the increase in antisemitism in Australia.
The new funding will enhance security resources for Jewish schools, pre-schools and other communal facilities used by the Jewish community through:
risk and threat assessments
critical incident planning
minor security infrastructure works including the installation or upgrade of security camera systems, access controls, security lighting, fences and gates, detection and alarm systems
security monitoring
security guidance and training
crisis management support and coordination, and
security guard services.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“The Jewish community has made an extraordinary contribution to the strength and success of our nation, over generations.
“This grant of $32.5 million will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves.
“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms.
“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus
“There is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.
“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it.
“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra.
The Nauru-Australia Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.
Through the treaty, Australia will ensure Nauruans have ongoing access to vital banking services and to the international financial system. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will provide banking services in Nauru, including a physical presence, following the departure of Bendigo Bank next year.
As Nauru’s largest economic, security and development partner, Australia will also provide the Nauru Government with fiscal certainty to invest in its future. Australia will provide $100 million in budget support over five years, to support Nauru’s long-term investments for the well-being of its people.
Recognising that our security is best assured by working together, under the treaty, Nauru and Australia have committed to mutually agree to any engagement in Nauru’s security, banking and telecommunications sectors, and to consult on any engagement in other critical infrastructure. Nauru has also committed that third party engagement in critical infrastructure will not be used for security purposes.
In recognition of our shared responsibility for security in the Pacific, Australia will provide $40 million over five years to support Nauru’s policing and security, including through support for recruitment, training and infrastructure.
The Nauru-Australia Treaty will enter into force as soon as possible in 2025, following domestic treaty-making processes in both countries.
“I’m delighted to join President Adeang today in signing the Nauru-Australia Treaty.
“The Nauru-Australia Treaty will strengthen Nauru’s long-term stability and economic resilience.
“This treaty is an agreement that meets the needs of both of our countries, and serves Australia’s and Nauru’s shared interests in a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong
“Building a stronger Pacific family is a priority for the Albanese Government, and central to Australia’s national interests.
“Through this treaty, we are supporting Nauru’s long term stability, security and prosperity.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy
“As Pacific countries, our interests are intertwined. This significant step in our bilateral relationship formalises the longstanding cooperation between Australia and Nauru and elevates the connection between our two nations.
“This Treaty delivers on the priorities of both nations by strengthening Nauru’s economy and backing-in Pacific-led security responses to our region’s needs.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra.
The Nauru-Australia Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.
Through the treaty, Australia will ensure Nauruans have ongoing access to vital banking services and to the international financial system. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will provide banking services in Nauru, including a physical presence, following the departure of Bendigo Bank next year.
As Nauru’s largest economic, security and development partner, Australia will also provide the Nauru Government with fiscal certainty to invest in its future. Australia will provide $100 million in budget support over five years, to support Nauru’s long-term investments for the well-being of its people.
Recognising that our security is best assured by working together, under the treaty, Nauru and Australia have committed to mutually agree to any engagement in Nauru’s security, banking and telecommunications sectors, and to consult on any engagement in other critical infrastructure. Nauru has also committed that third party engagement in critical infrastructure will not be used for security purposes.
In recognition of our shared responsibility for security in the Pacific, Australia will provide $40 million over five years to support Nauru’s policing and security, including through support for recruitment, training and infrastructure.
The Nauru-Australia Treaty will enter into force as soon as possible in 2025, following domestic treaty-making processes in both countries.
The Greens’ election plan to protect our iconic Great Barrier Reef would dedicate over $4 billion in new funding to protect this World Heritage icon and mega-employer. The Greens call to ban new coal and gas will save the Reef from its biggest threat, the climate crisis.
Greens Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:
“New coal mines have been approved like confetti by both Labor and Liberal federal governments, despite climate being the biggest threat to the Reef and the 60,000 people whose livelihood depends on it.1
“Just weeks ago, the Australian Institute of Marine Science confirmed that parts of the Great Barrier Reef have experienced its worst coral loss in 39 years. We know that with over 2 degrees of global warming, we will lose 99% of the coral cover of the Reef – and we are on track to exceed that temperature without a rapid transition to clean energy.
“Only strong political action on the climate crisis can secure a future for the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s why the Greens, backed by scientists, continue to say no new coal and gas.
“We also need to improve catchment health, and that means working with farmers to reduce run-off which also saves them money. The Greens would allocate $2 billion to improve water quality to meet the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan goals, incentivising farmers to use more sustainable land management practices and get us on track to meet 2025 and subsequent water quality targets.
“The Greens would commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef.
“The Reef also needs a strong protector, so this announcement would see the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s funding increase by $270 million over 9 years with greater independence and stronger powers.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a biodiverse wonderland supporting countless miraculous species, and providing a livelihood for 60,000 Queenslanders. The Greens will always fight to protect it.”
Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The Great Barrier Reef as we have been lucky enough to know it in our lifetime is fighting for survival due to extreme ocean warming from the burning of fossil fuels.
“In order to give the Great Barrier Reef the best chance of recovery we must be crystal clear about the magnitude of what needs to be done, and pull out all stops and make this global wonder as resilient as possible.
“That’s why in addition to major investment, the Greens are pushing for the ongoing destruction, caused by repeated marine heatwaves on the Great Barrier Reef, to be declared a national emergency.
“If a bushfire had burned for thousands of kilometres along the east coast of Australia, annihilated World Heritage habitat, decimated wildlife and impacted communities and the economy, a national emergency declaration would have already occurred.
“Marine heatwaves shouldn’t be treated differently to other extreme weather events simply because their terrible impacts are underwater – the devastation that continues to unfold on the Great Barrier Reef more than meets the criteria for a national emergency. The Albanese Government is kidding itself if it denies it.
“Governments can’t continue to throw cash at monitoring the Great Barrier Reef to its death. We are in a climate and environmental crisis and things need to be done differently – but if you want change, you have to vote for it.”
The Greens will:
Take the climate action needed to protect the Great Barrier Reef by ending new coal and gas
Commit $4.17bn in additional funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including:
Fund $2 billion to prioritise the delivery of the 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan and regional Water Quality Improvement Plans. This funding will be front-loaded with $250 million to urgently prioritise initiatives to fully meet the 2025 water quality targets;
Commit $1 billion to 2030 towards implementation and progression of the recommendations of the 2022 Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef, in addition to other Great Barrier Reef spending already committed. This would include Federal funding to compensate operators of the Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF) who currently hold licences to harvest coral within or adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park;
Allocate $150 million over 5 years to establish a research and innovation fund to determine protected species population estimates; bycatch reduction devices; and research protected species resilience to climatic and environmental changes;
Invest an additional $750 million in a Land Restoration Fund;
Provide the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority with $270 million over 9 years to support delivery of greater independence and stronger powers, including to regulate coastal development.
