The Reef is too precious to lose — and too big to fail
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most extraordinary living ecosystems — a place of wonder, identity and pride for Australians. But today, it stands at a critical turning point.
A new Deloitte Access Economics report, "At What Cost? Safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef’s Role in Australia’s Economy", reveals both the immense value of this global icon and the scale of what’s at risk. To build on this, we also sought to understand how Australians view the Reef — and what they believe must be done to protect it.
#The Reef’s true value
The Reef remains one of Australia’s most valuable assets — contributing $9 billion to the national economy each year and supporting around 77,000 jobs. If it were a company, it would be our fifth-largest employer.
Its total economic, social and cultural value has grown to $95 billion — up from $56 billion in 2017 — spanning tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, research and conservation.
Beyond dollars, it holds deep cultural, spiritual and community significance for First Nations peoples and coastal communities who call the Reef home.
#The risk
Climate change remains the single greatest threat to the Reef — driving coral bleaching, severe weather outbreaks and species loss.
If Reef health continues to decline, the ripple effects will be felt across Australia: fewer visitors, less investment in small businesses, and regional jobs at risk.
Without stronger action, we risk losing not just a natural wonder — but a cornerstone of our national identity.
#“Protecting the Reef isn’t just an environmental imperative — it’s an economic and cultural one.”
— At What Cost? Safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef’s Role in Australia’s Economy, 2025
#The opportunity
Limiting global warming to below 2°C could open the door to a $110 billion opportunity over the next 50 years — proving that protecting the Reef is also an investment in Australia’s future prosperity.
Scaling up reef restoration and adaptation adds a further $14 billion in potential value — taking the total to more than $124 billion in economic opportunity.
We now know what works. Australia has been home to the world’s largest collaborative reef protection effort of its kind, the Reef Trust Partnership, proving what’s possible when science, communities and industry come together. The challenge now is scaling these solutions fast enough to match the pace of change.
#Why it matters
The Great Barrier Reef is woven into the fabric of Australia’s identity, economy and global reputation.
For First Nations peoples, it is a living cultural landscape — a place of deep connection stretching back more than 60,000 years.
Its health is tied to Queensland’s future — from tourism and jobs to our image on the world stage.
#A decade that decides everything
We need a decade of decisive action — matching climate ambition with bold investment in adaptation and restoration.
Every dollar invested today protects the communities, cultures and ecosystems that depend on the Reef for survival.
The Reef is too big to fail — and too precious to wait.
#What Australians think
New national polling reveals that Australians understand what’s at stake — and want action:
98%
say losing the Reef would be a loss for the nation and future generations.
77%
see the Reef as an irreplaceable natural wonder.
78%
say protecting the Reef for future generations is very or extremely important.
#Be part of the story
The Reef belongs to all of us — and its future depends on all of us.
If you care about its future, use your voice to help protect it — and inspire others to do the same.
Download and share our social assets. Post, tag and spark conversations that create change.
Because every story shared brings us one step closer to protecting the world’s greatest natural wonder.
#Solutions on the horizon
The good news is that coral restoration is working. Across the Reef, science and innovation are driving a new era of restoration:
