The Great Barrier Reef is an important natural asset which the Government is committed to protecting. In regards to claims about the disposal of dredge material there is no disposal of spoil on the Reef. The nearest disposal site is 40km from the nearest Reef. Abbot Point is an existing port. The decision aligns with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s recommendations not develop areas outside the existing and long-established major port areas along the coast. Under Labor, 33 decisions were made to advance the project. The Coalition Government has scaled the project back to one-twelfth the size proposed and imposed some of the strictest conditions in history. The conditions include a 150% net benefit requirement for water quality, approximately $89m will be contributed to support the health of the Great Barrier Reef through programmes such as the Reef Trust and strong measures for protection of marine species and their habitat, ecological communities, flora and fauna. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has independently approved the project, including a further 47 conditions. We have just released the 2014 State Party Report on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area which highlights the significant progress being made to improve the management, health and protection of this amazing iconic area. We are working to support the Reef through our Reef 2050 Plan, Reef Trust, and by funding important projects such as Crown of Thorns Starfish eradication and the Gladstone Healthy Harbours Partnership. The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s great natural wonders and protecting it for future generations is vital. We are putting in place the programs to deliver on that commitment. environment.gov.au/resource/state-party-report-state-conservation-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area-australia-2014
Posted on: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 04:01:15 +0000
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