Why is the Great Barrier Reef important to Queensland?

Answer 1

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the largest coral reef in the world, almost 2000km long, with its coral cays and islands spreading over 300,000 square kilometres. It is unique and important to Queensland for several reasons.

It was placed on the World Heritage List in 1981 because of all its colourful marine life and its unique ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef is significant for its scientific value: the health of the Reef points to the health of the ocean, and the creeks and rivers that feed into it, as well as signifying the general effects of pollution. It is of considerable concern that numbers of unique species such as dugong and loggerhead turtles have declined significantly since the 1960s, largely due to human intervention. The Reef shelters many endangered species.

On an economic note, the Great Barrier Reef generates $AU2 billion in tourism dollars every year. All countries trade on their commodities, and tourism is one of Australia's. To lose the reef would be to lose an enormous source of trade for Australia.

Answer 2

The Great Barrier Reef is so important to Queensland is because it's the environment and heart of Queensland. It has everything of Australia plants and animals.