A report on a controversial $444 million reef funding injection has been delayed.

The Senate was slated to describe how the Great Barrier Reef Foundation secured the $444 million of taxpayer funds without a proper tender process.

The release of the report has now been delayed until December.

The Senate's environment committee has inquiring into how the Great Barrier Reef Foundation received the grant.

The inquiry report will now be handed down on December 4. Reports say this will follow more public hearings and submissions.