THE Australian Government is investing more than $31 million over six years for research into tropical water quality through the National Environmental Science Programme.
The research will assist in the management of coastal and marine water quality in Australia’s tropical regions, including the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
“This boost to science funding will help manage the risks to tropical water quality from infrastructure, agriculture, extreme events and biosecurity threats,” said Minister Hunt.
“As well as benefitting from improved water quality, species such as turtles and dugongs will benefit from an improved understanding of their status and trends. The research will underpin on-ground management actions.”
Subject to successful contract negotiations, the Government has selected the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre to lead the Tropical Water Quality Hub in partnership with a team of high calibre researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, four universities and CSIRO.
The hub would be led by Professor Hurriyet Babacan, a recognised international scholar, who was awarded the Order of Australia this year for academic contribution to community life and policy change.
“The more we learn about the Great Barrier Reef through our research, the better equipped we are to ensure its protection and meet the challenges it faces. That’s why we invest in reef science,” said Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch.
“This important research builds on the Government’s strong commitment to the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
“Apart from the environmental benefits, this is great news for the electorate of Leichhardt with the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre being selected to lead the Tropical Water Quality Hub.
“I’ve been working closely with Sheriden Morris and her team at the RRRC on a range of issues and there’s no doubting the level of expertise and commitment that they will bring to the table.”
The research partners involved have an impressive track record of delivering practical science that has informed the Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014, the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan, Crown of Thorns Starfish management, and Synthesis Report on dredging impacts on the reef.
The Tropical Water Quality Hub is part of the National Environmental Science Programme a competitive merit-based programme with six research hubs.
The Government is providing $142.5 million to give certainty to researchers so that science programmes can be planned and completed in a way which ensures flexibility and alignment with current environmental policy needs.
The Government is committed to integrating science into decision-making as a key principle of good environmental policy.
This research will ensure decisions about managing Australia’s biodiversity and environmental resources are made on the best available information.