The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, known as The Reef Authority, is the governing body responsible for managing and protecting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. As a Commonwealth Island under the Reef Authority’s jurisdiction, Lady Elliot Island is managed in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) through the Reef Joint Field Management Program, ensuring its natural and cultural values are safeguarded.

Lady Elliot Island is a critical climate refuge and a shining example of conservation combined with sustainable tourism. The Reef Authority provides strategic guidance and funding support for the island’s restoration through the Lady Elliot Island Ecosystem Resilience Plan, which guides ongoing efforts to restore native habitats, control invasive species, and strengthen the island’s resilience to climate change.

As part of the broader Reef Islands Initiative, the Reef Authority collaborates with partners including the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, QPWS, Traditional Owners, and the local community to protect and restore island ecosystems across the Great Barrier Reef. This coordinated effort aligns with the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, helping safeguard the Reef’s unique biodiversity for generations to come.

Lady Elliot Island remains one of the “jewels in the crown” of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area — a vital refuge, a thriving ecosystem, and a beacon for conservation.