Harvey Island in the Whitsundays. Photo: Jumbo Aerial Photography/GBRMPA
THE federal government is to invest another $100m into Townsville’s Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (Reef HQ), creating more than 1000 jobs in the process.
The money raises total funding for Reef HQ to $180 million and means work can begin on rebuilding the living coral reef centre.
The new money will allow the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to deliver a new purpose-built facility for tropical reef education and immersive experiences for domestic and international visitors.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Prime Minister described Reef HQ as an “icon” in the region.
“This funding announcement is an investment in the future of our precious Great Barrier Reef, as well as an investment in our regional and remote communities,” he says.
Senator Nita Green, the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, says the project will create $725.3m in revenue for Townsville over 30 years as well as 1313 jobs.
“The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is not just an Aquarium, it is a much-loved tourism attraction and vital source of Reef education, which has welcomed millions of people from around the world for more than three decades and is a pillar of the North Queensland community,” she says.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says Queensland is home to one of the most extraordinary places on earth – the Great Barrier Reef.
“We’re determined to protect it so it can continue to be enjoyed by Australians and visitors from around the world, and marine life can continue to thrive.”
Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King says the aquarium development will spur economic activity, create jobs and boost tourism.
Local Government Minister Kristy McBain Minister says they are talking to Townsville council partners with the city council redirecting $100m towards Reef HQ.
“Our additional investment in Reef HQ provides the community with certainty that a new aquarium will be built – supporting local jobs and unlocking a range of economic opportunities into the future – and ensuring that people from around the globe can fully immerse themselves in world’s largest coral reef ecosystem,” she says.
To learn more about the reef, you can visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website at: Homepage | gbrmpa
