Great Barrier Reef Aquarium update

The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium closed its doors to the public in February 2021 to undergo a significant redevelopment. This article shares an update on the work happening behind the scenes and clears up a few common misunderstandings.

Meet Leon

There's a well-known saying: find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. For Leon Jackson, TUMRA Program Manager, that saying couldn’t be more true. Last month marked Leon’s 30th year with the Reef Authority, a journey that began as a cartographer and has led to his current role managing the TUMRA Program. “Making a positive difference, makes a difference to me.”

Yarning on Country

In May and June 2025, the four southern Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner groups, Darumbal, Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC), Yuwibara and Woppaburra, will meet with members of the Southern Plan of Management (Southern POM) team to discuss aspirations and cultural values of their Sea Country. 

Appearing originally in Caring for Sea Country

Ranger program builds legacy

Indigenous ranger groups across the Reef are combining cultural knowledge with western methods to manage Land and Sea Country. These programs are opening employment pathways and creating positive impacts in First Nations communities like Wujal Wujal, home of the Kuku Yalanji, Kuku Nyungul and Jalunji Traditional Owners.

Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week invited all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, highlights the connection between our past, present and future. While it's celebrated in the last week of May, Reconciliation Australia calls on us to incorporate reconciliation into our everyday lives. Together, we will learn from the past as we shape what comes next.

Local voices shape Reef management

Throughout May, the Reef Authority’s planning team visited Traditional Owner groups and communities in the southern Great Barrier Reef, presenting information and holding workshops to help further develop the Southern Plan of Management, a legislative tool that aims to safeguard Marine Park values while reducing conflicts between users and increasing the resilience of the Reef in the light of climate change impacts. 

Protecting pisonia forests

Explore how the Restoration of Reef Islands Project is enhancing the resilience of Great Barrier Reef islands. Running from 2020 to 2027, this collaborative project is assessing and restoring critical habitats to strengthen islands’ ability to withstand climate change and other threats, protecting the long-term health of these biodiverse ecosystems.

Protecting our patch

World Environment Day and World Oceans Day fall in June and serve as an important reminder of our duty to protect our patch now, and into the future. Our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef extends beyond the boundaries of Marine Park, into our everyday actions and choices. Learn how we're working towards a sustainable future for the Reef.