The Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017–2022 establishes a policy framework to improve the quality of water flowing from land-based sources into the Great Barrier Reef. The Plan is formally nested within the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and responds to scientific evidence identifying land-based runoff, in combination with climate change, as a key driver affecting Reef resilience, ecosystem health, and recovery capacity. Its overarching outcome is to ensure that good water quality sustains the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef while delivering ecological, social, cultural and economic benefits to Reef-dependent communities. The Plan expands the scope of earlier reef water quality initiatives by addressing all land-based sources of pollution, including agricultural, urban, industrial and public lands, while recognising agriculture as the dominant contributor at a reef-wide scale. It sets scientifically informed targets for reducing sediment, nutrient and pesticide pollution at catchment, regional and whole-of-Reef scales, supported by land and catchment management targets and a human dimensions target. These targets are grounded in the 2017 Scientific Consensus Statement and are designed to improve ecosystem condition, strengthen Reef resilience to climate change, and enable more precise prioritisation of on-ground actions and investment. Implementation is structured around an adaptive management approach comprising on-ground delivery and enabling measures. The Plan combines minimum practice standards, support for innovation and stewardship, and targeted catchment restoration with governance reform, coordinated investment, application of best available science, and systematic monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Delivery relies on partnerships across governments, Traditional Owners, industry, land managers, natural resource management bodies and communities, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement through regular assessment and reporting mechanisms.
Australia · 2017-01-01