ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to News

​​Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Improvement Program

09 April 2026
Country and environment
Photo: Great Barrier Reef

​​An Approach to Market is open for applications for Phase one of the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner-Led Water Quality Improvement Program.​

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is implementing the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Led Water Quality Improvement Program (the Program). The Program is designed to improve water quality across the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments.

Poor water quality is a key threat for the Great Barrier Reef. This program is one of many significant steps that Australia is taking to increase efforts to improve water quality. The Program will build on the success of Traditional Owner programs delivered through the Reef Trust Partnership.

It will:

  • Support Traditional Owner capabilities
  • Strengthen partnerships
  • Undertake healthy water projects

Applications are currently open for the Approach to Market for a single supplier to be the leading organisation for Phase one of the Program and will close on 24 April 2026.

Applicants must have the relevant and appropriate knowledge, skills and relationships to establish a Traditional Owner-Led Reef Water Quality Advisory Group and a Traditional Owner-Led Reef Water Quality Working Group.

  • The Traditional Owner-Led Reef Water Quality Advisory Group will provide strategic advice and input into program design and will support implementation for Phase Two of the Program.
  • The Traditional Owner-Led Reef Water Quality Working Group will operate throughout the Program to 2030 and will support Traditional Owners for the catchment regions of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Program is funded by Reef Trust and is part of the Australian Government’s $1.2 billion Reef investment. Reef Trust programs are supporting a resilient Great Barrier Reef and delivery of the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan (The Reef Plan).

The Reef Plan outlines how the government will work Traditional Custodians, local communities and relevant organisations and people, to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef up to 2050. The Plan recognises that conservation and sustainability require working together and shared efforts to address the threats facing the Great Barrier Reef. Building partnerships and fostering cooperation across various groups and people are at the heart of the plan including:

  • Communities who play a vital role in protecting the Reef
  • Traditional Owners who manage their country through active engagement in on-country management, policy and planning programs
  • Scientists, industry experts and other leaders who provide cutting-edge science and knowledge to guide action and investment
  • Land managers who make changes to reduce pollutant run-off
  • Industries that develop and implement sustainable practices to protect the Reef.

For more information on the Approach to Market visit Current ATM View - ATM_2025_5550: AusTender or contact TOWQ@DCCEEW.gov.au. Applications close 24 April 2026.