Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Carr, as you would be aware, when the injection of funds of half a billion dollars was announced, the minister clearly set out what the package was going to do. In the first instance, it is going to ensure that we protect the reef, its viability and, of course, the 64,000 jobs that are dependent on it. It also includes the nearly $444 million Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program, as you are aware, to be delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. In terms of what it will be doing, it was clearly articulated: $201 million to improve water quality; $100 million for reef resilience and adaptation science; $58 million to fight against the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish; $45 million supporting other work including community engagement; and $40 million for enhancing reef health, monitoring and reporting.