Forever Reef Project comes home to Port Douglas with expanded centre

Douglas Tourism

Jamie Jansen

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Great Barrier Reef Legacy director Dr Dean Miller is excited to bring the world's first living coral biobank back to where it all began. Picture: GBRL

The Forever Reef Project, the first living coral biobank of its kind, is returning to its Port Douglas roots with a brand-new centre at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, set to officially open tomorrow. 

Newsport has spoken with Great Barrier Reef Legacy director Dr Dean Miller, the driving force behind this ambitious project, as he brings the world’s first living coral biobank back to where it all began.

A mission to safeguard the reef

With decades in marine science, Dr Miller has dedicated his career to protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Witnessing its decline first-hand, he co-founded Great Barrier Reef Legacy in 2016 to bridge the gap between research and real-world conservation.

Originally based at Cairns Aquarium, the Forever Reef Project has preserved numerous Great Barrier Reef coral species, securing their future for research and restoration.

The decision to relocate to Port Douglas was driven by the project’s rapid growth and need for more space.

Dr Miller said the larger centre will allow them to house more coral fragments, expand operations, enhance visitor experiences, and refocus on collecting all 415 Great Barrier Reef coral species by 2026.

The biobank will soon include two new tanks, each holding 2200 coral fragments, further boosting conservation efforts.

Back to its Port Douglas roots

This move marks a homecoming for the project, as Port Douglas has always been its operational and spiritual base.

“Port Douglas has always been Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s physical and spiritual home - we’ve launched research expeditions from here, engaged with local schools and tourism operators, and grown our organisation with the support of this incredible community,” Dr Miller said.

“Bringing this world-class conservation initiative back is immensely rewarding, as it is now one of the most significant coral conservation projects globally, and it belongs right where it all began.”

Advancing research and community engagement

The expansion strengthens collaborations with Traditional Owners, scientists, and conservation groups.

“We work closely with the Jabalbina and Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporations and are developing a First Nations Forever Reef 'Hub' to protect coral biodiversity on Country,” Dr Miller said.

“Scientists are increasingly interested in our one-of-a-kind living collection, and this new facility will only deepen our partnerships with conservation groups locally and nationally.”

The centre also introduces dedicated tourism, education, and training spaces, reconnecting the project with the Port Douglas community.

“Having our ultimate holding facility allows us to stretch our wings and maximise the impact of this project on multiple levels,” Dr Miller said.

Introducing guided tours

As part of this expansion, the Forever Reef Project will begin offering guided tours from March 17, with locals' discounts available.

Guests will go behind the scenes with expert guides to see how corals are collected, cared for, and preserved in the world’s only living coral biobank.

“We encourage everyone to experience this one-of-a-kind conservation effort, learn about coral biodiversity, and see first-hand how we’re protecting the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Miller said.

Support for these expansions has been tremendous, with Run4Planet and UniSports Australia contributing $12,000 and $10,000, respectively, toward the project, while Newsport is also on board as a sponsor.

“This generosity is what makes the Forever Reef Project thrive, and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” Dr Miller said.

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