New scientific research projects about threatened species, the Great Barrier Reef, climate impacts and improving urban liveability will complete the first phase of the Australian Government’s $145 million National Environmental Science Program (NESP).

The Whitsundays will be the new focus of a groundbreaking initiative to establish a spectacular network of island refuges for marine and plant life in the Great Barrier Reef.

Urgent work to protect animals such as the critically endangered western ground parrot are among the priority Western Australian Government projects being supported by the Morrison Government’s initial $50 million Wildlife and habitat recovery package.

Wildlife experts and koala conservation organisations will join me in Canberra on Wednesday for a koala workshop and Ministerial Roundtable to discuss both bushfire impacts and a range of issues affecting one of Australia’s most treasured national icons.

Australia has helped secure international agreement to protect the endangered Antipodean albatross on its 100,000km annual migration between New Zealand, Australia and Chile.