Reef authority watching QLD Nickel closely

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is watching Queensland Nickel "very closely" after Clive Palmer's besieged company was placed in administration.

Amid concerns a major clean-up could be needed if the Queensland refinery closes, authority chairman Russell Reichelt is consulting with the state government and met with officials last Friday.

However, the authority told a Senate committee on Monday it did not know what the cost of rehabilitation would be but understood the company had to retain a certain amount on its books for a clean-up.