Reef Traditional Owners are driving a major shift in how the Great Barrier Reef is governed, through a grassroots initiative known as ReefTO.

Established in 2024, the Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) was formed in response to the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan. Its focus is on leading systems-level changes in Reef co-governance, co-management, and co-decision-making through genuine partnerships.

The work is grounded in decades of advocacy by Elders and community leaders who have long called for stronger cultural authority and a more unified approach to Sea Country governance.

A key priority of ReefTO is exploring options for a Sea Country Alliance. The Alliance is a proposed organisation that would give Reef Traditional Owners a collective platform to lead on strategic policy, management, and investment. It is intended to support coordinated action across the Reef while respecting local cultural governance and decision-making.

The concept of a Sea Country Alliance received strong support from Reef Traditional Owners who attended the Sea Country Forum held in Gimuy (Cairns) in March.

ReefTO is now engaging with Traditional Owners across the Reef to shape what the Alliance could look like with a focus on how it should operate, who should be involved, and what it should deliver.

As part of this broader movement, ReefTO is also investing in youth leadership.

"In terms of succession there's a big gap between our young people and today's leaders" said Duane Fraser, Co-Chair of the ReefTO Taskforce.

"Too often, they don't get the chance to step into the process, to speak, and to shape the future with their perspective."

To strengthen the pathway between emerging leaders and current decision-makers, ReefTO has opened expressions of interest for its Youth Reference Group. The group will bring together six Reef Traditional Owners aged 18 to 28, who will contribute to planning and policy, and lead youth-focused activities at the Sea Country Summit in 2026.

"The Sea Country Alliance will soon be theirs to carry," Mr Fraser said.

"Our young people have a right to be at the table, not just as observers, but as leaders. This is the time to step forward, to put in an EOI, and to put your hand up to help shape the future."

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 12 September 2025. More information is available at https://reefto.au/join-us/.

This report was produced with the support of ReefTO.