Although Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt should be applauded for fighting for extra Reef protection funding in tomorrow’s Federal budget, this still falls short of the action required to safeguard the Reef and avoid its inclusion on the ‘World Heritage in danger’ list.
The minister's attention must now turn to the massive coal expansion plans on the Queensland coast and the threat they pose to the Reef. If the government halts these projects, it will demonstrate decisively to UNESCO and the world that they take Reef protection seriously.
“The Reef has lost 50% of its coral in the past 30 years and is on a knife's edge. Putting more pressure on the Reef by allowing more coal expansion is unthinkable. Minister Hunt has the chance to step up as a Reef protector and put a halt to planned projects like the dredging and dumping at Abbot Point,” Greenpeace campaigner Shani Tager said.
Tomorrow’s Federal budget is expected to allocate an extra $100 million to Reef protection measures, focusing on water quality, coastal development and fishing activities, but this will not provide the long-term solution to the coal industry threats posed against the Reef. (1)
“This funding is addressing part of the problem, but won’t stop the Reef’s degradation. The largest looming threat to the Reef is the planned coal industry expansions along the Queensland coast, plans that will send more ships through the Reef’s sensitive waters, create a higher risk of shipping accidents and drive climate change,” Tager added.
“Cancelling the planned Abbot Point coal port expansion will be a huge step forward for the Reef. Millions of people across Australia and the world are demanding protection for the Reef. People like Richard Branson have shown their love for the Reef and their concern for its health. A recent poll has shown 85% of Australians would choose the Reef over coal. If Greg Hunt and the Abbott Government are serious about protecting the Reef - as they keep telling the world they are - they should stop this project in its tracks.” (2)
Contact:
Elsa Evers (+61) 438 204 041, Shani Tager (+61) 427 914 070
Notes:
1. www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/federal-budget-2015-whats-in-and-whats-ruled-out-20150508-ggx3n5.html
2. http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en/mediacentre/media-releases/climate/85-of-Australians-say-Reef-not-Coal/