Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is warning that we're at a critical point in history and the reef's outlook is "very poor" unless world governments act on climate change.

"Anyone following the state of the Great Barrier Reef over the last 10 years is well aware of the pressures and challenges facing the ecosystem," said the GBRMPA's CEO Josh Thomas.  "While the reef is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, its future is one we can change - and are committed to changing.  Local, national and global action on the greatest threats facing the reef is needed now."

The GBRMPA's five-year review found that the Great Barrier Reef's coral reefs have declined following back-to-back bleaching events.  And the reef is less able to recover after each ensuing event.  If things don't change, communities and industries that are dependent on the reef are in for hard times.

"These reports not only show why urgent action is needed to protect it and the thousands of jobs that rely on it, but also show why our proposed reef regulations are so important," said QLD Parliament MP Leeanne Enoch.