The health of the Great Barrier Reef is continuing to improve, but it's predicted to fall short of the 2025 sediment and pesticide targets based on latest levels, despite the best efforts of "on-the-ground heroes".

The state government released the Great Barrier Reef Report Card 2015-16 on Friday, which showed pollution running into the reef had decreased, but Environment Minister Steven Miles admitted "we (the government) certainly need to accelerate progress".

Environment Minister Steven Miles (centre) launches the Great Barrier Reef Report Card 2015-16 with Independent Science Panel chairman Dr Roger Shaw and Terrain NRM CEO Carole Sweatman. Credit:Toby Crockford - Fairfax Media

The 2025 plan aimed for a 50 per cent reduction in sediment and an 80 per cent reduction in nitrogen, with Mr Miles saying these targets were "achievable".

Landowners, particularly farmers, were heaped with praise, described as "on-the-ground heroes" for engaging with the government and changing their land practices.