Canberra Reef Forum

50 years ago, Gough Whitlam designated the Great Barrier Reef as a Marine Park.

This historic moment has ensured that protecting the Reef is a critical part of the Australian Government’s mandate for 50 years.

Now also a World Heritage Site, the Reef is one of the biggest and most complex ecosystems in the world, hosting 10 per cent of the world’s fish population, 400 species of coral and 4,000 species of mollusc.

To celebrate 50 years of our beautiful Reef being protected as a marine park, I am hosting a Reef Forum with Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, for our Canberra community.

Come along to hear about how we have been protecting the Reef since it became a marine park, and how the Reef 2050 Plan will help address key threats for the Reef.

We know that the Reef is under threat from climate change, land-based pollution, crown-of-thorn starfish and coastal development. Our Government is working to address these threats and ensure that our Reef resilient in the face of these threats.

We will discuss the science behind how we ensure the Reef is strengthened, and how it complements our Government’s mandate to continue protecting the Great Barrier Reef.  

This event will be held at Parliament House on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 6.30pm. Please arrive by 6pm to be signed into the building.

Tickets are strictly limited. Please ensure that you register as soon as possible to secure your spot for this insightful talk.

If you have any further questions, please contact my office at Alicia.Payne.MP@aph.gov.au or on 6247 8475.