Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy

 

 

 

 

Wetlands are managed throughout the Reef and its catchments by a network of landowners, managers, Traditional Owners, Custodians of Country, scientists, government officials, industry and volunteers to:

• maintain sustainable, healthy ecosystems
• support ongoing production and prosperity
• contribute to healthy communities
• support the Great Barrier Reef to be a living natural and cultural wonder of the world.

The Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy is an update to the Wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Management Strategy 2016-21 and supports the Reef 2050 Long–term Sustainability Plan and the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. It builds on the achievements of the Queensland Wetlands Program and recognises wetlands as vital to the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and its catchments.

The Strategy is underpinned by a whole-of-system, values-based framework which is an integrated approach to catchment management and protecting, maintaining and rehabilitating wetland systems.

The development of an updated Reef 2050 Wetlands Strategy incorporated the outcomes of the evaluation of the of the 2016–21 Strategy and extensive consultation with Queensland Government agencies, Australian Government agencies (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority), Great Barrier Reef Wetlands Network, local governments, conservation organisations, Queensland Ports Association, agricultural and water supply organisations, and Traditional Owner representatives.

The Strategy should be used to inform the development and implementation of operational and land use plans and programs, strategic planning documents, on-ground works and activities, research programs and projects and monitoring frameworks. Funding bodies should consider the Strategy when assessing proposals for projects that deliver multiple benefits including improved wetlands management.

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Last updated: 2 February 2024