REAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY (GBRMPA)
Australians Unified – Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water Portfolio
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is Australia’s lead agency for protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef — one of the world’s most iconic and biodiverse ecosystems. It delivers science‑based management, climate resilience programs, compliance operations, and community partnerships to safeguard the Reef for future generations.
GBRMPA works with Traditional Owners, scientists, industry, tourism operators, environmental groups, and international partners to protect the Reef’s ecological, cultural, and economic values.
OUR ROLE
GBRMPA exists to:
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Protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
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Strengthen Reef resilience to climate change
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Regulate activities to ensure ecological sustainability
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Support Traditional Owner leadership and Sea Country management
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Deliver science‑based monitoring and ecosystem assessments
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Coordinate with tourism, fisheries, and industry stakeholders
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Provide public education and community engagement
GBRMPA ensures the Reef remains healthy, resilient, and protected for future generations
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OUR STRENGTHS
Environmental & Scientific Strengths
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World‑leading marine science and ecosystem monitoring
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Strong regulatory and compliance capability
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Deep partnerships with Traditional Owners
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Established Reef protection and restoration programs
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Trusted international leadership in marine park management
Sovereign Strengths
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Critical to national biodiversity and cultural heritage
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Essential to tourism, fisheries, and regional economies
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Supports Australia’s global environmental commitments
OUR WEAKNESSES
Structural Weaknesses
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Ageing monitoring and vessel infrastructure
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Fragmented data across marine jurisdictions
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Limited long‑term funding certainty
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Slow modernisation of digital regulatory tools
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Under‑resourced remote and offshore operations
Operational Weaknesses
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Workforce shortages in specialist marine science roles
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Rising complexity of climate‑impacted ecosystems
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Limited outreach to remote communities and operators
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Increasing demand for rapid ecosystem assessments
OUR THREATS
External Threats
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Climate change driving coral bleaching and extreme weather
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Water quality decline from land‑based runoff
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Illegal fishing and marine pollution
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Biodiversity loss and habitat degradation
Internal Threats
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Resource constraints
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Outdated monitoring technologies
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Workforce fatigue and retention challenges
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Limited surge capacity for major Reef events
OUR OPPORTUNITIES
Strategic Opportunities
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Modernise Reef monitoring and digital surveillance systems
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Strengthen climate‑resilient Reef management
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Expand coral restoration and ecosystem recovery programs
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Improve Traditional Owner co‑management and Sea Country planning
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Enhance international leadership in marine conservation
Operational Opportunities
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Recruit and retain specialist marine scientists and rangers
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Improve digital platforms and analytics
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Strengthen partnerships with tourism, industry, and research bodies
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Expand community and regional engagement
4. BETTER INTEGRATION WITH GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY
One national Reef management ecosystem
Key Actions
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Integrated data‑sharing platforms
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Stronger partnerships with tourism, fisheries, and research bodies
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National community and regional engagement
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Shared analytics and intelligence systems
Outcome: A more coordinated, community‑connected Reef network.
5. A HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT GREAT BARRIER REEF
Protecting ecosystems, culture, and communities
Key Actions
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Climate‑resilient Reef planning
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Coral restoration and habitat protection
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Threatened species recovery programs
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Public transparency and open data
Outcome: A healthier, more sustainable Great Barrier Reef.
THE FUTURE‑READY GBRMPA
A national blueprint for Reef protection, climate resilience, and marine stewardship
1. FASTER, MORE ACCURATE REEF MONITORING SYSTEMS
Strengthening national marine intelligence
Key Actions
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Modern digital monitoring and surveillance systems
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Faster ecosystem assessment pathways
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Improved water quality and coral health modelling
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Strengthened coordination with agencies
Outcome: A more agile, responsive Reef management system.
2. STRONGER SOVEREIGN MARINE CAPABILITY
Building Australian capability for Reef resilience
Key Actions
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Specialist marine science and ranger teams
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National Reef data and modelling platform
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Strengthened oversight and governance
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Expanded climate and ecosystem analysis
Outcome: A more resilient, future‑focused Reef protection system.
3. A MODERN, RESILIENT GBRMPA WORKFORCE
Supporting the people who protect the Great Barrier Reef
Key Actions
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Workforce wellbeing and retention programs
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Specialist training pathways
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Diversity and inclusion initiatives
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Modern digital and scientific tools
Outcome: A strong, supported GBRMPA workforce.
CONDENSED YEARLY COSTING MODEL — GBRMPA
Baseline + Uplift Investment Framework
BASELINE FUNDING (Already Provided)
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Core GBRMPA operations: $0.28B
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Marine science & monitoring: $0.10B
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Compliance & Reef protection programs: $0.08B
Total Baseline Funding:
$0.46B per year
PHASE 1 — FOUNDATION (Years 1–2)
Annual uplift: $0.36B – $0.50B 2‑year uplift total: $0.72B – $1.00B
PHASE 2 — ACCELERATION (Years 2–4)
Annual uplift: $0.50B – $0.70B 3‑year uplift total: $1.50B – $2.10B
PHASE 3 — EXPANSION (Years 4–6)
Annual uplift: $0.66B – $0.90B 2‑year uplift total: $1.32B – $1.80B
PHASE 4 — FUTURE‑READY (Years 6–10)
Annual uplift: $0.85B – $1.15B 4‑year uplift total: $3.40B – $4.60B
TOTAL INVESTMENT SUMMARY
6‑YEAR TOTAL
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Uplift: $3.54B – $4.90B
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Baseline: $2.76B
Total 6‑Year Investment:
$6.30B – $7.66B
10‑YEAR TOTAL
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Uplift: $6.94B – $9.50B
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Baseline: $4.60B
Total 10‑Year Investment:
$11.54B – $14.10B