We did it, North Queensland! We're excited to join with the Townsville North Queensland community to celebrate today's Federal Government announcement which will see the confirmed rebuild of our beloved Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Prime Minister of Australia Hon Anthony Albanese MP has committed $100 million to the national reef education centre.
Today's landmark decision follows years of advocacy and the successful launch of the #SaveOurAquarium community campaign, in May 2024.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said today's announcement is a historic milestone for the city.
"Celebrating our region's leadership in education and marine science, the committed funding to rebuild the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will put Townsville North Queensland on the global stage as the headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef.”
“We extend our thanks to the Prime Minister, Senator Nita Green, State and Local Governments, Townsville Enterprise members and our North Queensland community – this achievement would not have been possible without your support.”
"We also acknowledge and thank the Townsville City Council’s commitment to the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium through their request to reallocate funding from the City Deal."
“As a proud reef city, we know how passionate this community is about our Reef HQ Aquarium, and today our voices have been heard - together, we did it!”
"Townsville has been on a transformative journey for decades, and this funding commitment will enable the creation of a world-class facility, changing the face of our waterfront and enhancing the liveability of our city."
“The Aquarium component within the Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence will alone generate more than 1,300 direct and indirect jobs, and contribute over $444M to our local economy - delivering unrivalled economic benefit, global profile and education and conservation advantages.”
