A six-week consultation period has opened giving the public a chance to have their say on a draft of the updated Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.

The Australian and Queensland governments’ Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan was first introduced in 2015 providing an overarching strategy for managing the Great Barrier Reef.

The plan outlines management measures for 35 years, including clear actions, targets, objectives and outcomes to drive short-term and long-term management of the Great Barrier Reef.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said this is the first five-yearly comprehensive review of the Plan to ensure it continues to focus on key threats and actions to support the health and resilience of the Reef.

“The updated Plan acknowledges that improving the long-term outlook for the Reef requires global action to reduce emissions, supported by effective actions to improve water quality and continued marine park management and stewardship,” Ms Ley said.

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said significant progress has been made since the Reef 2050 Plan was first launched.

“We have seen significant improvements in water quality, crown of thorns starfish control, rehabilitation of island and coastal habitats and the doubling of the on-ground Reef Joint Field Management Program,” Mr Entsch said.

“For all that success, the review of the plan provides an important opportunity to re-focus and coordinate everyone’s efforts to support the health and resilience of the Reef.

“The updated Plan includes actions to foster partnerships and stewardship, and it is important we hear a broad range of views as we work together to protect this wonderful place, which so many people depend on.”

Queensland Senator Susan McDonald said the Federal Government is committed to caring for the Great Barrier Reef, investing $1.9 billion in programs to protect the World Heritage Listed region.

“Our world-class Reef generates 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the national economy,” Senator McDonald said.

“We must all work together to ensure the Reef remains a world-class destination and thriving marine habitat.

“That is why we are asking to hear people’s views, so we can ensure that we are all doing our part to focus our efforts and drive positive environmental outcomes for the Reef.”

Details on how people can provide feedback are available here, the public consultation period closes on 30 September 2020.