In a major boost for the region the Prime Minister today announced the Albanese Labor Government will save the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium “Reef HQ” with an extra $100 million investment after the Liberals left it underfunded and doomed to fail.
The project is expected to create more than one thousand jobs and give an enormous economic boost to Townsville.
Bringing total Albanese Government funding to $180 million, work can now begin on rebuilding Australia’s most cherished living coral reef exhibit to educate visitors about the world’s most iconic reef ecosystem and how to protect it.
The additional investment will enable the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to deliver a new purpose-built facility that will deliver global excellence in tropical reef education and provide immersive experiences attracting domestic and international visitors.
Opened in 1987 by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, the Townsville landmark has welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors, many of which are passionate local advocates, or visitors from neighbouring regions.
The announcement comes a week after the Townsville City Council voted to allocate funding to the aquarium from the Townsville City Deal, a commitment between the Commonwealth Government, Queensland Government and Townsville City Council to create jobs, increase economic growth and revitalise the city.
Quotes attributable to Anthony Albanese Prime Minister
“Reef HQ is an icon in this region and my Government is proud to continue the legacy established by Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1987. Like Bob we want to create the Great Barrier Reef on land, making the Reef accessible and affordable while spreading the Reef conservation message and inspiring action to protect this spectacular natural icon.
“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 – demonstrating our commitment to creating jobs, building opportunities and unlocking growth, ensuring our regions remain great places to live, work and play.”
Quotes attributable to Tanya Plibersek Minister for the Environment
“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.
“That’s why Labor is investing a record $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Reef.
“And it’s why we are building a new globally recognised, marine science and education facility that showcases our commitment to managing and protecting this natural wonder.
“Labor will always protect Australia’s special places and the jobs that rely on them.”
Quotes attributable to Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Local Government
“All three levels of Government have come together to get right outcome for Townsville with the commitment to deliver a first class Great Barrier Reef Aquarium that generates economic activity, jobs and tourism, while celebrating our exquisite natural environment.
“We look forward to working with Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government to get this investment moving.”
Quotes attributable to Kristy McBain Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
“We’re engaging extensively with Townsville City Deal partners to finalise the deal’s unallocated funding, with Townsville City Council confirming last week that redirecting this $100 million towards Reef HQ would have significant benefits for their local community.
“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.
“This builds on over $192 million in Australian Government funding that’s already flowed to projects under the $1 billion Townsville City Deal.
“We’ll continue working with the Queensland Government, Townsville City Council on their future infrastructure priorities.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Nita Green Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef
“Delivering this project is an excellent opportunity for the city. It will create $725.3 million in economic benefit for Townsville over 30 years and 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.
“I want to thank Townsville City Council for recognising the importance of this project to the city.”
