Anger over handling of major reef health report

A major report has expressed concern about the health of the Great Barrier Reef. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The most important health check in years warns the Great Barrier Reef's prospects are "very poor" despite the government pouring millions of dollars into programs to help it cope with climate change and other threats.

The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report was released with little fanfare on Friday afternoon,  minus commentary from the federal government.