The Cairns Aquarium & Reef Research Centre has secured funding under the third round of the Australian Government’s National Heritage Grants to establish a new interactive display to highlight the world-heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef.
It was one of 25 projects to receive funding across the nation.
The Australian Heritage Grants program is the Australian Government’s flagship heritage grants program.
It provides ongoing support to protect and promote the values of places on the National Heritage List
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the Cairns Aquarium & Reef Research Centre had been awarded $184,800 under the program.
“The aquarium will design, fabricate, install and showcase a new interpretive display project, highlighting the natural heritage and outstanding values of the Great Barrier Reef and educate upward of 450,000 visitors each year,” Mr Entsch said.
“A large section of the interior of the aquarium space will be redesigned to house multiple interpretive displays that will provide information, infographics, digital displays, 3D models and interactive displays.”
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the Australian Heritage Grants are a celebration of the irreplaceable legacy of our cultural, natural and historic heritage and a commitment to safeguard its resilience into the future.
She said this year’s round focussed on preserving and promoting the enduring culture of First Nations Australians and supporting the long-term resilience of important sites like the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmanian Wilderness and Fraser Island (K’gari).
“This year’s funding round was especially focussed on preserving and promoting the enduring culture of First Nations Australians and on supporting the long-term resilience of the many important and world-renowned sites we have in our states and territories,” Ms Ley said.
“Funding for the successful projects will also support both public and privately owned and operated National Heritage List places hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions and will help create jobs, increase visitation and boost visitor numbers.”
