But it has been criticised by the Greens for allowing mining companies to continue to dump sediment in the reef.
QRC CEO Michael Roche said science-based programs were making a significant improvement to reef health.
“The reef report card findings are proof the concerted effort to improve water quality and protect against the biggest threats to the reef is paying dividends,” Roche said.
“It’s fantastic to hear today the work that’s been going into the reef over the recent years is turning around its health.
“Results show pollutant loads entering the reef have significantly reduced since 2009 and are well on the way to reaching targets that could halt, or reverse, the decline in the water quality.
“The vast improvements to water quality across the reef are the result of a scientific and evidence-based approach from credible studies conducted by eminent scientific organisations such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science.”
The adoption of improved land management practices is resulting in a significant decline in the overall runoff from sediment (11%), pesticide (28%) and nitrogen (10%). However, the inshore marine environment remained poor due to extreme weather events.
“The results are a fundamental turning point in the health of the reef and send a clear message that UNESCO should be in no doubt over the commitment of Australian governments and industry to deliver the twin goals of economic growth and environmental protection,” Roche said.
But Greens Senator Larissa Waters said the reef was facing an “In Danger” listing because it was being industrialised for mining companies and the report did nothing to address that.
“The Abbott and Newman governments are happy to accept extreme weather is threatening the reef but refuse to accept that climate change is driving extreme weather, and that climate change is driven by coal exports, for which all the dredging and dumping is happening,” she said.
“It’s about time they put the reef and the 63,000 jobs it provides ahead of the interests of the big mining companies.”
