Government vows to protect dying GBR

By Hannah Edensor


The Australian Government has revealed new plans to protect the Great Barrier Reef, as the natural wonder continues to suffer from bleaching and pollution.

The $60 million plan will specifically tackle the growing issue of the crown-of-thorns starfish which eats the fastest-growing coral in reefs.

The recent outbreak of starfish has been detrimental to the already hurting reef, as it copes with changing sea temperatures and climate change.

According to ABC News, Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash has promised $10 million of the pot will be spent solely on an “all-out assault” on the starfish species, increasing the number of ships from three to eight.

The rest of the spending will go towards preventing polluted water entering the reef.

“This builds on our success with farmers reducing soil erosion, improving on-farm nutrient, management and restoring coastal and riparian vegetation in the reef catchments,” Cash said.

Roughly $6 million will also go towards strategising with CSIRO to “develop new ways for the reef to adapt and recover”.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a critical national asset — we want to ensure its future for the benefits of all Australians, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the reef,” she added.

“This is all about investing in the future of the reef itself — this is all about looking at how technology can assist us in terms of new ways to help the reef adapt and recover.”

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