The proposal would provide $100 million over 3 years to establish a Great Southern Reef Agency to enable and encourage cooperation across states, regions, communities and Country in successfully managing and safeguarding the Great Southern Reef.

The Agency would operate with a similar structure to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, but with less regulatory oversight. The Agency would include an Oversight Board to bring together work from advisory committees and provide advice to the Minister. There would be 3 advisory committees: Community, Indigenous and Science.

Funding would also establish Local Marine Great Southern Reef Advisory Committees and Local Indigenous Great Southern Reef Advisory Committees.

The proposal would be non-ongoing, distribute funding evenly over 3 years, and start on 1 July 2026.