{"id":842277,"date":"2026-08-03T17:36:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T17:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/842277\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T17:36:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T17:36:11","slug":"australia-to-hit-2030-target-with-67-million-hectare-mpa-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/842277\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia to hit 2030 target with 67-million hectare MPA expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"

An additional 67 million hectares of ocean could be protected in Australia, as the government has announced a landmark, once-in-a-decade review of the nation\u2019s Marine Parks Network.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The expansion would allow Australia to achieve its international commitment of safeguarding 30% of its total sea area well ahead of the original 2030 deadline.<\/p>\n

At the centre of the proposal is a boundary expansion and strengthened environmental protections for the ecologically significant Norfolk and Lord Howe marine parks.<\/p>\n

These areas serve as vital biodiversity corridors in the South-west Pacific, supporting a blend of temperate and tropical marine habitats while acting as crucial transit zones for migratory seabirds, cetaceans, fish, and sharks. As part of the update, the Gifford Marine Park is slated to be incorporated directly into the Lord Howe Marine Park.<\/p>\n

The changes are part of a broader initiative to draft six new management plans for 44 Australian Marine Parks. In total, the network spans 2.37 million square kilometres of ocean \u2013 an expansive territory larger than the combined landmass of Queensland and New South Wales.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The upcoming plans will focus on how to best manage and protect these vast marine ecosystems for future generations.<\/p>\n

To ensure local communities are involved, the government has launched a public consultation process, inviting Australians to help shape the future of their oceans.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a further $5.6 million in grant funding has been announced to support ongoing conservation engagement. Grants ranging between $50,000 and $500,000 will fund eligible projects that enable First Nations peoples, regional communities, scientists, and fishers to undertake activities that enhance the long-term sustainability and understanding of the parks.<\/p>\n

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