CFAs: Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Grant Round 2 (Australia)

The Australian Government’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Round 2 Grant Opportunity provides funding to eligible Australian organisations for projects that reduce, remove, and prevent marine debris within the Great Barrier Reef region. The programme supports marine conservation activities focused on protecting Reef ecosystems, improving water quality, reducing plastic pollution, supporting community participation, and developing sustainable waste management solutions.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Round 2 Grant Opportunity

Overview of the Grant Opportunity

The Australian Government has opened applications for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Round 2 Grant Opportunity to support large-scale projects that address marine debris threats affecting the Great Barrier Reef region.

The grant aims to reduce the environmental impacts of marine debris by supporting activities that prevent pollution, remove existing waste, improve coastal and marine environments, and strengthen community involvement in Reef protection.

The programme focuses on protecting important marine ecosystems and species, including:

• Coral reefs.
• Marine turtles.
• Dugongs.
• Seabirds.
• Other marine biodiversity affected by plastic pollution and waste.

Purpose of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Grant

The main purpose of this grant is to support practical solutions that manage and mitigate marine debris impacts across the Great Barrier Reef region.

The programme aims to:

• Reduce marine debris entering Reef environments.
• Improve coastal and marine ecosystem health.
• Protect vulnerable marine species.
• Strengthen waste prevention and recycling approaches.
• Improve water quality within Reef catchments.
• Increase public awareness about plastic pollution.
• Encourage community-led environmental action.

What Is Marine Debris and Why Is It a Problem?

Marine debris refers to human-made waste that enters oceans, rivers, coastal areas, and marine ecosystems.

Common examples include:

• Plastic bottles and packaging.
• Fishing equipment.
• Abandoned nets and ropes.
• Household waste.
• Industrial waste.

Marine debris can:

• Harm marine animals through ingestion or entanglement.
• Damage coral ecosystems.
• Reduce water quality.
• Affect tourism and recreational activities.
• Impact fisheries and coastal communities.

Key Focus Areas of Supported Projects

1. Reducing Marine Debris Impacts on Reef Activities

Projects may support activities that reduce the impact of marine debris on:

• Tourism operators.
• Recreational users.
• Fishing communities.
• Coastal businesses.

Activities may include:

• Waste reduction programmes.
• Cleaner marine practices.
• Community-based prevention initiatives.

2. Improving Water Quality in Reef Catchments

The programme supports activities that reduce pollution entering Reef waterways from urban areas.

Projects may include:

• Urban waste reduction activities.
• Waterway clean-up programmes.
• Pollution prevention measures.
• Catchment management initiatives.

3. Marine Debris Removal and Coastal Clean-Up Activities

Funding may support projects that remove debris from:

• Reef coastlines.
• Beaches.
• Rivers.
• Urban waterways.
• Coastal habitats.

These activities help improve:

• Marine ecosystem health.
• Habitat quality.
• Coastal resilience.

4. Education and Awareness Programmes

Projects may increase community understanding of marine pollution and plastic waste.

Supported activities may include:

• Environmental education campaigns.
• Public awareness activities.
• School and community programmes.
• Plastic reduction initiatives.

5. First Nations Community Engagement

The programme encourages involvement of First Nations peoples in Reef protection activities.

Projects may support:

• Indigenous-led conservation approaches.
• Traditional knowledge integration.
• Community stewardship activities.
• Local environmental management practices.

6. Plastic Management and Circular Economy Solutions

The grant also supports innovative approaches that contribute to sustainable resource management.

Projects may explore:

• Circular economy models.
• Renewable materials.
• Plastic alternatives.
• Sustainable waste management systems.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be an approved Australian organisation type.

Eligible entity types include:

• Companies.
• Cooperatives.
• Corporate Commonwealth Entities.
• Corporate State or Territory Entities.
• Incorporated Associations.
• Indigenous Corporations.
• Local Governments.
• Statutory Entities.
• Non-corporate Commonwealth Statutory Authorities.
• Non-corporate State or Territory Entities.
• Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authorities.

Trust Applications

Organisations applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust are eligible only if the Trustee itself belongs to one of the approved entity categories.

Project Timeline

The grant-supported activities must follow the approved implementation period.

Key dates:

• Earliest project start date: February 2027.
• Project completion deadline: 30 June 2030.

Projects must directly contribute to managing and reducing marine debris impacts within the Great Barrier Reef region.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that they:

• Hold a valid ABN.
• Meet the required organisation type.
• Can deliver activities aligned with Reef protection objectives.

Step 2: Develop the Project Proposal

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The marine debris issue being addressed.
• The project activities.
• Expected environmental outcomes.
• Community benefits.
• Implementation approach.
• Long-term sustainability.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Applications should include:

• Completed online application form.
• Project details.
• Budget information.
• Supporting attachments.
• Evidence addressing assessment criteria.

Step 4: Submit Through GrantConnect

Applications must be submitted through the Australian Government’s GrantConnect online application platform.

Applicants must:

• Complete all required sections.
• Upload supporting documents.
• Address eligibility requirements.
• Submit before the official deadline.

Assessment Process

Applications will be assessed through an:

Open competitive grant selection process

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Eligibility compliance.
• Alignment with programme objectives.
• Environmental benefits.
• Project design and feasibility.
• Organisational capability.
• Expected community impact.

Selection Timeline

The expected assessment timeline is:

• Application assessment: Within 8 weeks after the closing date.
• Approval of selection outcomes: Within 12 weeks after closing.
• Applicant notification: Within 14 weeks after closing.
• Grant agreement negotiations and final awards: Within 16 weeks after closing.

Why This Grant Matters

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities.

Reducing marine debris helps:

• Protect coral reef ecosystems.
• Reduce threats to marine wildlife.
• Improve ocean health.
• Support sustainable coastal economies.
• Strengthen community involvement in conservation.

The grant supports long-term solutions that combine environmental protection, community action, and sustainable resource management.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain how their project reduces marine debris.
• Include measurable environmental outcomes.
• Demonstrate community involvement.
• Highlight partnerships with local groups and First Nations communities.
• Provide realistic project timelines.
• Ensure budgets are accurate and justified.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to provide required attachments.
• Proposing activities unrelated to marine debris management.
• Not explaining expected environmental benefits.
• Providing unclear project outcomes.
• Ignoring community engagement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Round 2 Grant?

It is an Australian Government funding opportunity supporting projects that reduce and manage marine debris impacts within the Great Barrier Reef region.

What types of projects can receive funding?

Projects may include marine debris removal, pollution prevention, education campaigns, community stewardship activities, water quality improvement, and sustainable plastic management solutions.

Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include Australian organisations with an ABN, such as companies, local governments, Indigenous corporations, incorporated associations, and eligible government entities.

When can funded projects begin?

The earliest start date for funded activities is February 2027.

When must projects be completed?

All funded activities must be completed by 30 June 2030.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed through an open competitive process considering eligibility, project quality, environmental impact, feasibility, and alignment with grant objectives.

Where must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted online through the Australian Government’s GrantConnect platform with all required information and supporting documents.

Conclusion

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Debris Management and Mitigation Round 2 Grant Opportunity provides important support for organisations working to reduce marine pollution and protect one of Australia’s most valuable natural ecosystems.

By funding debris removal, pollution prevention, community education, First Nations participation, and sustainable waste solutions, the programme aims to create healthier marine environments and strengthen long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef.