In 2015, the Australian and Queensland governments released the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan. The Reef 2050 Plan responds to the World Heritage Committee’s recommendation that Australia develop a long-term plan for sustainable development to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef.

Since the plan was released in 2015, the reef has been deeply impacted by unprecedented climate driven mass coral bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 and severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

In light of these events the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Forum brought forward the scheduled mid-term review of the plan to ensure it addresses current pressures and remains effective. The updated plan is the result of the mid-term review.