Revegetation
Program Successes

  • Over 11,400 native plants established on Lady Elliot Island since 2018, including Pisonia grandis and 27 other native species.
  • 15 hectares of the island’s landscape restored through invasive species removal and native vegetation planting.
  • Complete removal of invasive weeds such as Lantana, using mechanical methods without herbicides.
  • Increase of over 125% in turtle nesting habitat on the island’s main beach.
  • Establishment of the first native coral cay nursery on a Great Barrier Reef island, currently stocking over 6,000 plants.
  • Use of locally sourced seeds and cuttings from 12 nearby coral cays to increase genetic diversity.
  • Improvement in soil health through the use of on-island compost.
  • Water conservation measures including a computerised drip irrigation system reducing water use by 50%.
  • Guided by the Reef Authority’s Lady Elliot Island Ecosystem Resilience Plan, ensuring adaptive, science-based restoration.
  • Supported by collaboration between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Reef Authority, QPWS, Traditional Owners, researchers, and the community.