The Great Barrier Reef's future looks a little brighter following the passing of a new bill in the Queensland Parliament this week. The new law targets reducing the run-off of nutrients, pesticides and sediment from farming land onto the Great Barrier Reef.

Under the Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Bill, Burdekin Dry Tropics and the Far North's Wet Tropics must apply no more than the optimum amount of fertiliser to their soil, must keep records of their use of chemicals and fertilisers and must control loss of soil from their properties.

"The future of the Great Barrier Reef rests upon radically reducing the chemical pollution and sediment run-off that is harming the reef. This global icon for the marine environment and powerhouse of Australia's tourist economy deserves nothing less. It is heartening to see the Bligh Government act swiftly to deliver their election promise to tackle one of the greatest threats to the Reef," said Darren Kindleysides, Director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

"This legislation throws the reef a lifeline, but it is just the first step. If run-off is to be halved within four years the Government must ensure money is made available to help farmers meet the requirements of this regulation and become stewards of the Great Barrier Reef catchment," he continued.

Queensland Environment Minister, Ms Kate Jones said she made amendments to the original bill to help support the agricultural industry and transition farmers to legislative requirements after extensive consultation.

Ms Jones said the Reef was not just a natural icon, but an economic asset.

"It's worth almost $6 billion to the economy and more than 63,000 people are employed in jobs dependent on the health of the reef such as tourism, recreation and commercial fishing," she said.

"The State Government has committed an additional $50 million over five years to implement the new legislation which includes compliance, education and a monitoring and evaluation program.

"With existing programs, this represents total state funding of $175 million over five years to improve water quality in the Reef.

"The legislation complements the ten-year Reef Water Quality Protection Plan and the $200 million Commonwealth Reef Rescue Plan."

In September the Federal Government's own assessment of the health of the Reef - the Reef Outlook Report - identified run-off as being the highest category of risk to its future. The Great Barrier Reef's survival also depends on building its resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as ocean warming and acidification. Reducing pollution is central to ensuring the Reef can withstand these impacts.

"The impacts of climate change risk turning parts of the reef to rubble. We must act quickly to do all we can to build up the reef's defences to climate change," Kindleysides concluded.