Saving the Barrier Reef

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has unveiled a multi-million-dollar plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef against mass bleaching. The plan will cost about 60-million dollars over the next 18 months and includes funding for farmers to reduce sediment run-off, and for research. Last week, the federal and Queensland governments launched a 2-million dollar challenge to find novel ways to restore reefs and lift coral abundance.

An Australian professor has developed a type of IVF to help ailing coral reefs recover. (AAP) Source: AAP

 The Great Barrier Reef is still reeling from back-to-back coral bleaching events in 2016 and 2017, while authorities are also dealing with a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak in southern parts of the reef. Introducing the plan, Mr Turnbull also dismissed criticism of the nation's environmental efforts, including moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.