This strategy is a joint commitment between the Australian and Queensland governments, and provides direction for wetland science, planning, coordination and management in the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments.

The strategy also seeks to provide wider benefits to the environment and communities. It adopts a whole-of-system, values-based approach to wetland management which considers management at multiple scales, including the catchment scale, and the services and values wetlands provide.

It recognises people as central to decision-making and promotes management responses and practices that achieve multiple benefits. By adopting this approach, the strategy assists to implement many other International, National, State and local policies and agreements.

The strategy supports outcomes for the Reef as well as the catchment and provides opportunities for wetland management activities to align with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority priorities.