Legacy and Impact at Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island was the first island selected for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative (RII), a landmark $14 million, 10-year program dedicated to restoring vital island habitats across the Great Barrier Reef. Since its launch, the RII has supported full-scale revegetation, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration projects aimed at protecting critical ecosystems and vulnerable species.

The Lady Elliot Island project, now approaching completion in 2025, has been a flagship for the Initiative, transforming the island’s weed-infested landscape into a thriving sanctuary for seabirds, marine turtles, and native plants. Through RII’s funding, thousands of native plants have been established, invasive species across broad areas have been removed or managed, and critical seabird and marine turtle habitats have been restored – all strengthening the island’s resilience against climate change.

Leaf to Reef

This work has been further supported by the ongoing Leaf to Reef project, also funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Leaf to Reef aims to understand how healthy island vegetation influences water quality on surrounding reefs, exploring the link between restored forests and reduced sediment and nutrient runoff. The research has helped demonstrate the critical role that revegetation plays in protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Additionally, this project has established a baseline of the island’s in-water biodiversity to monitor change over time. This is especially important as Lady Elliot is believed to be a potential refuge for shifting species in the face of climate change.

Beyond Lady Elliot Island

The Reef Islands Initiative also includes other important sites such as Avoid Island, a key turtle nesting refuge, and the Whitsunday Islands, where restoration projects are developed in close partnership with Traditional Owners, reef managers, and tourism operators. The Reef Islands Initiative continues to invest in the protection and restoration of other reef islands, ensuring ongoing conservation impact throughout the Great Barrier Reef.

Support the Reef Islands Initiative

Inspired by Lady Elliot Island’s success? You can support the Reef Islands Initiative and help protect the Great Barrier Reef’s unique island ecosystems. Visit the Great Barrier Reef Foundation website to learn more and donate.

Since 2018, restoration work has transformed 15 hectares of the island – increasing vital marine turtle nesting areas by 125%, establishing over 11,400 native plants, and enhancing biodiversity by sourcing seeds from 28 species across 12 nearby coral cays.

Legacy Video

Learn more about the science behind this work and hear directly from those on the ground.