The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO Taskforce) is a Traditional Owner-led, grassroots initiative that honours the decades of work by Elders to assert their cultural authority and rights to sea country and to drive genuine partnerships across the Great Barrier Reef.
Over decades, Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef have provided input into many reports, forums, plans and workshops. But decision makers have not always listened. Our traditional knowledge, cultural practices and inherent responsibilities to care for sea country are still being side-lined.
Since the 1970s, we’ve been coming together to talk about protecting and managing sea country. These were powerful gatherings where our Elders laid the foundations for what has become a thriving movement for cultural and environmental stewardship.
Now, the ReefTO Taskforce has been set up and will carry forward the legacy, building on the resilience and vision of our Elders to elevate the voices of all Traditional Owners. Together, we’re working towards a healthy reef, protected sea country, and a legacy that future generations can be proud of.