New Aussie law aims to help save Great Barrier Reef

Australia introduced stricter new laws to limit agricultural run-off into the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef Thursday, in an attempt to save the reef and keep its prized world heritage status.

The world's largest coral reef system faces multiple threats to its survival, most notably rising sea temperatures caused by climate change, water pollution and coral-eating crown of thorns starfish.

Australia last month downgraded the reef's long-term outlook to "very poor" for the first time.

Queensland state parliament on Thursday approved laws aimed at reducing the main contributor to poor water quality -- sediment and pesticide run-off from farms along the coastline.

The new rules broaden the number of industries and regions subject to run-off restrictions.

Queensland Environment Minister Leanne Enoch said the reef faced a greater risk of being put on the world heritage 'endangered' list if the laws were not introduced before UNESCO meets to consider the issue in 2020.

"UNESCO's going to be looking very carefully at the actions we take," she told national broadcaster ABC.

"There is an absolute need to be able to accelerate our efforts in regard to water quality."