New ‘Antarctic Journey’ opens to visitors
In an Australian-first, WWF-Australia and Phillip Island Nature Parks launched a spectacular and fully-immersive Antarctic Journey attraction today.
23 December 2015
Current News
Stories from 2015
120 stories
Conservation Goals All Conservation Goals
Australian Government approves massive coal port in Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
Australia’s Environment Minister has approved 1 million cubic metres of dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
22 December 2015
Private Reef funding should be coupled with significantly increased government investment and strong laws
The Australian Government today released a prospectus, seeking sponsorship for conservation projects related to the Great Barrier Reef.
16 December 2015
Traditional Owners and WWF join forces for GBR turtles
A new partnership between Traditional Owners and WWF-Australia marks the start of an Indigenous conservation program in the Mackay area.
16 December 2015
Farmers fencing for threatened wallabies
Local Wheatbelt farmers have come together to help protect a precious colony of wallabies.
15 December 2015
Paris agreement maps global pathway to clean energy future, more steps needed to support the vulnerable
World governments finalised a global agreement today in Paris that lays a foundation for long-term efforts to fight climate change.
12 December 2015
Coral-eating starfish numbers could reach 60 million, GBR outbreak on track to be worst on record
Crown of thorns starfish outbreak on the Great Barrier Reef is likely be the worst on record, says a new publication commissioned by WWF-Australia.
10 December 2015
New ‘citizen science’ report sheds light on elusive Australian water rat in WA
A new report launched today sheds light on one of the most elusive of creatures, the rakali, or Australian water rat.
7 December 2015
Innovation Agenda could spark new opportunities in clean tech
WWF-Australia welcomes the announcement of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, in support Australia’s transition towards a...
7 December 2015
Australia agrees to 1.5-degree goal in Paris, while domestic targets still push 4 degrees
Australian Government has committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius, but the national targets are not enough to achieve this.
5 December 2015
Australian PM announces new commitments at Paris climate talks
WWF welcomes three new commitments towards tackling the climate change, but Australia can and should do more.
30 November 2015
WWF: landclearing triples & emissions soar, Qld must act to protect bush
New figures reveal that landclearing in Queensland has tripled, sending carbon emissions soaring.
28 November 2015
WWF welcomes Labor’s 2050 net- zero carbon pollution target
WWF congratulates the ALP on today’s commitment to net-zero carbon pollution by 2050, which is an important step in the effort to keep global warming below 2...
27 November 2015
Paris climate talks: Australians deserve a safer and better future
Australians taking part in the People’s Climate March this weekend call for a strong global deal in Paris next week to ensure a safer and better future for...
27 November 2015
Clear path to prosperous net-zero carbon Australia: report
Australia could successfully transition towards net-zero carbon pollution while maintaining similar rates of growth to the last five years if key actions are...
25 November 2015
Pollution reductions mean Australia can pick up pace to safer future
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has suggested Australia will meet its carbon pollution targets for 2020, giving Australia the chance to strengthen its target.
25 November 2015
Planet at a crossroads leads to global alliance for protected areas
WWF and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are joining forces to enhance and promote the role of protected areas.
20 November 2015
Time to strengthen our climate goals, not rest on our laurels
WWF-Australia welcomes reports that Environment Minister Greg Hunt is confident Australia is on track to meet our 2020 pollution reduction target.
18 November 2015
Senate committee recommendation leaves door open for corruption
Proposed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act would remove a key check and balance in government decision making.
18 November 2015
Tassal CEO takes out sustainability award
WWF congratulates Mark Ryan, CEO of Tassal, for his sustainability achievement.
16 November 2015
Landmark victory for the Reef, and people power, as dredge spoil dump ban passed in Qld Parliament
New laws banning the sea dumping of industrial dredge spoil have passed in the Queensland Parliament in one of the most significant conservation victories ever...
12 November 2015
Queensland’s new Ports Bill a major win for the Great Barrier Reef
New laws to restrict sea-dumping and port expansion in the Reef World Heritage Area will be voted on in Queensland Parliament next week.
4 November 2015
New hope for marine protection but Southern Ocean remains vulnerable
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources takes small but important step towards establishing Antarctic marine protected areas.
30 October 2015
Rob Purves takes out prestigious Aus Geo award
WWF-Australia's President Rob Purves receives Australian Geographic Society's Lifetime of Conservation Award.
28 October 2015
WWF: Qld Government admits coral communities exist close to Abbot Point
The Queensland Government has lodged the final Environmental Impact Statement for Abbot Point coal port and admits there is coral close to the proposed...
27 October 2015
Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay Prawns get the MSC blue tick
Western Australia’s Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay prawn fisheries have received the independent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable...
25 October 2015
Trawl fishery sets sail for sustainable horizons
Seabirds, seals and overfished species will be better protected thanks to a new project working to minimise the environmental impacts of Australia’s largest...
22 October 2015
Poor water quality could mean murky future for Whitsunday tourism
A new water quality report card has been released today gives the Whitsundays inshore reefs a “very poor” rating for water clarity and a “poor” rating for...
22 October 2015
Crunch time for Southern Ocean protection
Representatives from 24 countries and the European Union will meet in Hobart this week to discuss two important proposals to protect critical areas of ocean...
18 October 2015
Net-free fishing zones pass final hurdle
Queensland’s threatened marine wildlife are big winners after three new proposed net-free zones passed their final hurdle last night.
15 October 2015
D-Day for net-free zones
It’s D-Day for three new net-free zones with a disallowance motion to go before the Queensland Parliament tonight.
14 October 2015
“Safeguards” risk pollution reduction efforts going up in smoke
Emission Reduction Fund “safeguards” released today undermines the $2.55 billion being spent on pollution reduction projects.
8 October 2015
Hundreds of new species discovered in the fragile Eastern Himalayan region
Over 200 new species have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas in recent years, according to a new report by WWF.
5 October 2015
Success of development now tied to world leaders’ agendas at home
As the UN’s Sustainable Development Summit concludes with a bold new global sustainability roadmap, world leaders now need to focus on fulfilling that vision.
28 September 2015
Aerial survey finds previously undocumented turtle nesting “hot spots” in North Queensland
Aerial surveys have discovered multiple previously unrecorded turtle nesting “hot spots” along the north Queensland coastline.
27 September 2015
Turtles at site of previous mass stranding near Townsville showing signs of stress
New Queensland research is indicating that green turtles living alongside urban and farming areas are absorbing possibly thousands of chemicals, many...
24 September 2015
Australia must sign on to UN’s new ‘Global Goals’: WWF
A new reform agenda for a sustainable world is set to be adopted at the biggest ever gathering of global leaders next week, and WWF is urging the Australian...
22 September 2015
WWF: Governments failing to stop coral-eating starfish
WWF-Australia said today’s Reef Report Card shows we must dramatically step up the fight against coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish.
21 September 2015
Queensland’s tree-clearing 'map of shame'
WWF-Australia today called on the Queensland Government to honour its election commitment to protect Queensland’s bushland, as a new report suggests panic...
17 September 2015
Marine life plummets and food security at risk: WWF report
Nearly half of the world’s marine mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been lost in a single generation with frightening implications for human welfare and...
16 September 2015
WWF congratulates new Australian Prime Minister
WWF urged the new Prime Minister to focus on the issues that unite Australians, such as reducing pollution and protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future...
15 September 2015
Environmental fast-tracking claims by industry exposed as false
A new analysis released today reveals that claims of savings from the Federal Government’s proposed amendments to fast-track environmental approvals cannot be...
13 September 2015
WWF calls for investigation after whale calf lodged beneath coal tug boat
Death of a humpback whale calf highlights the challenge of operating a mega industrial port alongside the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
9 September 2015
WWF calls for autopsy of dead dugong north of Mackay
WWF-Australia today called on the Queensland Government to conduct an autopsy of a dead dugong found yesterday in the Seaforth area north of Mackay.
7 September 2015
Stronger targets affordable, achievable, desirable
Government's own modelling on carbon pollution shows Australia can easily commit to stronger targets.
21 August 2015
Net free fishing zones a boost for marine life
WWF and AMCS congratulate the Queensland Government for implementing three net-free zones.
21 August 2015
WWF: Abbot Point expansion too big a risk
The Abbot Point expansion risks becoming a ‘white elephant’ that will damage the inshore environment.
20 August 2015
Environment Laws safeguard against corruption
WWF-Australia cautioned that proposed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) increase the risk of corruption by removing checks in...
18 August 2015
Changes to Ports Bill would break promise to the World Heritage Committee
WWF-Australia today warned that attempts to have Cairns named as a ‘priority port’ would risk seeing Australia hauled back in front of the World Heritage...
15 August 2015
Australia punches below its weight in signalling future pollution reduction targets
Australia’s carbon pollution reduction target announced today falls short of its commitment to help keep global warming below 2 degrees.
11 August 2015
Net free zones will protect precious marine life
WWF fully supports Queensland’s three new net-free zones, which will help protect turtles, dugong and dolphins including rare snubfin dolphins.
10 August 2015
WWF & AMCS: Check North Qld reefs for oil and ban rogue ships
WWF-Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society today said reefs in the path of the oil spill that has washed up on beaches in North Queensland...
27 July 2015
WWF pays tribute to Felicity “Flic” Wishart
WWF-Australia today expressed immense sadness over the passing of Australian Marine Conservation Society Great Barrier Reef campaign director Felicity ‘Flic’...
21 July 2015
50% Renewable Energy policy good for nature
WWF today welcomed the report of a bold climate policy goal set to be unveiled by Australia's Opposition Leader Bill Shorten this weekend.
20 July 2015
World Heritage Committee decides: Australia on probation over Reef health
The World Heritage Committee has delivered a powerful decision that places Australia on probation over the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
1 July 2015
Broad alliance points to common ground on climate policy
The Australian Climate Roundtable has come together to put the climate policy debate on common ground and offer a way forward.
28 June 2015
Underwater message urges UNESCO to make the right decision on Great Barrier Reef
A group of Australian divers have submerged themselves in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef to send a definitive message to the UNESCO World Heritage...
26 June 2015
Ocean conservationists and celebs join global campaign to protect Great Barrier Reef
Olivia Newton-John, Philippe Cousteau, John Butler, Sylvia Earle, Ash Grunwald, Lenka, Marc Nelson and Laura Wells pledge to ‘draw the line’ and protect the...
26 June 2015
The real work to turn around the decline of the Reef starts now
WWF supports UNESCO’s draft decision on the Great Barrier Reef because it will keep the pressure on Australia to turn promises into real actions and results.
25 June 2015
Legislation Passes: Australia cuts Renewable Energy Target
Renewable energy is an important driver to cutting Australia’s carbon pollution, bringing down future energy prices and creating sustainable jobs.
24 June 2015
International poll urges UNESCO to defend the Great Barrier Reef
A poll conducted in six countries across the globe reveals widespread opposition to industrial destruction of the Great Barrier Reef.
24 June 2015
Roebuck Bay could become Western Australia’s least-protected Marine Park
An alliance of environment groups today welcomed a draft management plan for the Roebuck Bay Marine Park, but the plan has raised concerns that snubfin...
23 June 2015
No funding for the Reef in Federal Government’s Northern Australia Plan
WWF calls on Australia's Prime Minister to announce more funding for the plan to save the Great Barrier Reef.
17 June 2015
Unprecedented alliance calls for zero pollution in Australia
As the government considers its post 2020 climate targets, an alliance of more than 50 civil society groups has called for zero carbon pollution in Australia...
16 June 2015
Expansion of Qld parks will help wildlife weather global warming
The expansion of Currawinya National park in Queensland’s southwest is good news for the state’s threatened wildlife as the impacts of global warming take...
16 June 2015
WWF welcomes cancellation of Kakadu uranium mine
WWF has welcomed the cancellation of a planned controversial underground uranium mine in Kakadu National Park.
12 June 2015
Qld Auditor-General reveals Australians and UNESCO “misled” on the Reef
WWF-Australia says a damning report by the Queensland Auditor-General exposes government failures that have resulted in the Australian people and UNESCO being...
10 June 2015
WWF statement on plastic bag challenge hoax
WWF is horrified by a hoax challenge that's been circulated suggesting people should put plastic bags over their heads to raise funds for WWF to work on marine...
9 June 2015
Global warming a critical risk for investors
A new study launched today warns investors against building portfolios based on fossil fuel investments and highlights the need for stable long-term climate...
5 June 2015
Queensland’s Ports Bill set to rein in dredging and dumping on Reef coast
The Sustainable Port Development Bill introduced in parliament today is a major step forward in protecting the Reef from rampant industrial development,...
3 June 2015
Rich nations put billions into coal as climate crisis deepens: report
A new report released internationally today shows that governments worldwide poured more than US$73 billion between 2007 and 2014 into high-carbon polluting...
2 June 2015
New dredge dumping regulations an important step forward for Great Barrier Reef
WWF Australia says new Federal regulations that come into effect today, to ban sea-dumping of dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, are an...
2 June 2015
UNESCO puts Australia on probation: Reef health must improve
WWF-Australia today welcomed UNESCO’s draft decision on the Great Barrier Reef, urging the Australian and Queensland Governments to deliver on their promises...
29 May 2015
A proud voice for the places Australians love and our unique wildlife
WWF-Australia's submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment Inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations.
29 May 2015
139 bizarre and beautiful new species discovered in Greater Mekong region
139 new species have been discovered by scientists in Southeast Asia’s Greater Mekong region in 2014, although many are already at risk, according to a new...
27 May 2015
Act now to avoid higher costs later: climate report
Stronger action to reduce Australia’s climate pollution now will avoid higher economic, social and environmental costs over the next two decades, according to...
27 May 2015
Review into Queensland fisheries welcome
Report recommends significant long-term changes to the way Queensland’s fisheries are managed.
19 May 2015
One step forward, two steps back: opposites attract for renewable power deal
Today's agreement on renewable power is one step forward for the industry, but two steps back for the Australian people and the places we love.
18 May 2015
Budget: Reef funding falls short
If we want to protect places such as the Great Barrier Reef, the environment needs to be made a priority in the budget.
12 May 2015
Reef condition still poor
An indication that the 2013-14 Reef Report Card will show a slight improvement in in-shore coral health is encouraging but must be taken in context.
12 May 2015
Large Reef “to do” list remains before June World Heritage Committee meeting
With just 50 days before the World Heritage Committee meeting, WWF-Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) today released an urgent...
8 May 2015
Reef funding announcement a positive step
$15 million in new projects aimed at reducing chemical pollution on the Great Barrier Reef shows that progress is being made on the government’s Reef Trust...
8 May 2015
WWF: Reef Taskforce has good mix of skills and expertise
The Reef Ministerial Taskforce announced today is a critical step in tackling one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef: agricultural pollution.
7 May 2015
Where do you goanna and should you Wreck off?
Scientists are fitting goannas with GPS tracking devices as they search for ways to stop them devouring loggerhead turtle eggs.
29 April 2015
Eastern Australia listed as global front for deforestation
In a new report, Eastern Australia has been listed as a global front for deforestation.
28 April 2015
WWF statement on Nepal earthquake
We are committed to supporting Nepal and our staff and their families as they recover from this earthquake.
26 April 2015
UQ scientist helps value the ocean at US$24 trillion, but report warns it's sinking fast
A University of Queensland scientist has helped estimate the overall value of the ocean at US$24 trillion (AUD $31 trillion) to show what’s at risk without...
22 April 2015
New Report: Australia can cut emissions deeply and the cost is low
New report finds that Australia can reach 100% renewables and zero net emissions by 2050.
20 April 2015
Queensland’s decision to reject Cairns dredging is great outcome for Reef and tourism
WWF Australia has warmly welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that it won’t support plans for a major dredging project in Cairns.
18 April 2015
Turtle rescue made easier with Quick Response Guide
Providing a quick response can mean the difference between life and death for these threatened marine animals.
14 April 2015
Scientists call for international pressure to help save the Reef
WWF-Australia today welcomed an opinion piece by three of Australia’s leading coral scientists who criticise the Reef 2050 plan and call on Australian...
7 April 2015
Millions unite to light the way toward climate action
From Antarctica to the International Space Station, WWF's Earth Hour brought the world closer together on Saturday by mobilising millions to highlight the need...
30 March 2015
Australia’s climate pollution reduction paper is out of touch with science: WWF
WWF has welcomed a public consultation paper on Australia’s carbon pollution reduction targets but said it lacks the scientific rigour needed to make the right...
29 March 2015
Scrapping the Native Vegetation Act would be a black day for nature in NSW
Conservation groups are appalled by the Coalition’s announcement today that it will seek to repeal the Native Vegetation Act if returned to government this...
26 March 2015
Report vindicates campaign against dredging and dumping in Reef waters
Report written by experts brought together by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
25 March 2015
Reef 2050 a good start – but much more investment needed
$100 million in new funding announced by the federal government falls short of what’s required to halt the Reef’s decline.
21 March 2015
WWF welcomes $100 million plan for NSW threatened species
WWF today welcomed the Baird Government’s announcement of individual recovery plans for every one of New South Wales’ 970 threatened species of animals and...
20 March 2015
Malcolm Fraser was a champion for the environment
WWF today expressed sadness at the passing of former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, who supported stronger protection for the Great Barrier Reef and Australian...
20 March 2015
WWF welcomes ALP pledge to continue strategic growth of national parks in NSW
WWF-Australia has commended the environment policy released by the ALP in the New South Wales election campaign.
18 March 2015
Women’s Economic Empowerment Celebrated in Canberra
It’s a special moment captured on film – Solomon Islands women rejoicing at their success in building a better life for their communities.
18 March 2015
WWF: Dumping ban must extend to entire Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
WWF-Australia welcomed the Federal Government’s ban on the dumping of dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef, but re-affirmed need to protect the entire World...
16 March 2015
Halt to Abbot Point wetland dump plan a positive move
Queensland Government withdraws proposal to dump dredge spoil on wetlands at Great Barrier Reef's Abbot Point
11 March 2015
Australian Government risks Reef’s World Heritage status without major new commitments
Many World Heritage Committee concerns for the Great Barrier Reef are not being properly addressed, says WWF and AMCS.
9 March 2015
Intergenerational Report fails on climate change
The Intergenerational Report failed to outline steps to address the greatest threat facing our children – climate change, said WWF-Australia.
5 March 2015
How much can a koala bear? WWF calls on NSW Premier to keep Aussie animals safe
Over 250,000 native animals have been saved in just five years because of the NSW Native Vegetation Act.
1 March 2015
Qld Government report includes alarming claims on illegal fishing
Queensland Government report highlights the need for improved monitoring of illegal fishing in the Great Barrier Reef’s green zones.
25 February 2015
Central and North Qld farmers star in short film to be seen around the world
Trailblazing Queensland cane farmers are the stars of a short film, launched today by WWF-Australia and soon to be seen by around the world.
19 February 2015
WWF welcomes Queensland’s first “Minister for the Great Barrier Reef"
Having a Minister for the Reef is an important signal that saving our Great Barrier Reef is a priority, says WWF-Australia.
16 February 2015
WWF: New Qld Government must hit ground running on the Reef
New Queensland Government must hit the ground running in order to turn around the Great Barrier Reef’s decline - says WWF-Australia.
13 February 2015
Funding to save threatened species
WWF-Australia has welcomed Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement of $743,000 for new projects to protect plants and animals at risk of...
12 February 2015
Campaign to save the Reef goes global
The fight against reckless industrialisation alongside the Great Barrier Reef is going international with the launch of a world-wide campaign by the WWF global...
9 February 2015
Australia’s report to UNESCO denies serious decline of Great Barrier Reef
The Report on the Great Barrier Reef, submitted to UNESCO by the Australian Government, is inaccurate and doesn't acknowledge serious declines in the Reef’s...
2 February 2015
WWF reaction to release of LNP Reef policy document
If no new commitments are made in the government’s policy direction for the Great Barrier Reef it will accelerate the degradation and eventual loss of the Reef.
29 January 2015
WWF: New Qld national parks would save 37 native species & boost tourism
WWF report shows that creating new Queensland national parks would help save dozens of native species and boost tourism.
23 January 2015
WWF: Where the parties stand on the Reef
WWF-Australia's Great Barrier Reef policy scorecard for the Queensland election
22 January 2015
More than 80% of Reef dumping falls outside Minister Hunt’s new restrictions
WWF is calling for a full ban on dumping in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
22 January 2015
WWF welcomes commitment to protect our Reef
Queensland's Opposition Leader has committed to ban dumping on the wetlands, as well as a full dumping ban in the Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage waters.
20 January 2015
More than $2 billion of new funding needed to stop pollution harming the Reef
$2 million plus investment is needed to tackle the pollution coming from catchments on the Great Barrier Reef.
19 January 2015
WWF welcomes first Reef policy of the 2015 Queensland election campaign
All political parties need to step up actions to save the Reef.
14 January 2015
Gov Email: Dredge spoil likely to cause decline of endangered bird
Government email casts serious doubt on the plan to dump spoil on wetlands at Abbot Point - likely to cause decline of endangered bird, says WWF-Australia.
9 January 2015