A decision by UNESCO to leave the Great Barrier Reef off its in-danger list shows Australia is a role model in environmental leadership, Greg Hunt says.
Speaking from Germany, the federal environment minister has described the decision as tremendous and important.
Putting a permanent ban on dredge disposal in the marine park, the Reef 2050 plan and an extra $200 million for water quality, have all been recognised by the world community, he said on Thursday.
"What it means is the world's umpire has looked closely and said that not only is the reef not in danger but that Australia has become a role model in environmental leadership," he told ABC radio from Bonn.
UNESCO adopted a draft decision to leave the reef off the danger list at a meeting in Bonn on Wednesday evening (AEST).
But the icon will continue to be monitored by UNESCO, with Australia required to provide an update on its Reef 2050 plan to the World Heritage Centre by December 1, 2016.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad also said the World Heritage Committee ruling recognised Australia's efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
But she said it was by no means a "clear victory" and the federal and state governments must now ensure all of its reef commitments were implemented to keep the natural wonder off the endangered list.
Conservation groups say Australia has been placed on probation when it comes to management of the reef as failure to improvements in its health could put it at risk of an "in-danger" listing in 2020.
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