Qld clearing failure blights reef: report

A new progress report on efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef has pointed to Queensland's failure to pass tougher tree-clearing laws.

Queensland's failure to pass controversial tree-clearing laws is the only black spot in a new report on the state and federal government's progress on efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The Queensland and federal governments released the first Reef 2050 Plan annual report on Tuesday, showing the lack of tree-clearing reform in Queensland was the only promise listed as "significantly delayed".

The Palaszczuk government failed to pass the tree-clearing laws in August by two votes after failing to win enough support from the crossbenchers.

Australian Marine Conservation Society spokesperson Cherry Muddle said the effects on the reef from tree clearing couldn't be underestimated.

"The runoffs of chemicals and pollutants have a severe effect on the water quality," she told AAP.

She also said there was a shortage of funding from both the state and federal governments for water quality improvements.

The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan is a joint initiative to ensure the reef remains a World Heritage Area.