A Turning Point for the Great Barrier Reef

Today marks a major turning point for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, with the Queensland Government introducing legislation to prevent dangerous run-off of farm pollution, the conservation sector said today.

WWF-Australia, Queensland Conservation, Australian Marine Conservation Society and Wildlife Queensland are united in their support for the new laws.

The sector is delighted Premier Anna Bligh and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones have acted swiftly since re-election to protect the Reef from harmful pollution.

Currently 80 per cent of rivers draining to the Reef breach national water quality guidelines due to farm fertiliser, pesticide and mud-run-off.

“It’s a turning point for the Reef – welcome news after years of concern,” said WWF-Australia Program Leader, Nick Heath.

“This is also a turning point for Australian agriculture – for too long there has been too little change in environmentally risky and outdated farm practices.

“We support the Premier’s action to protect the 60,000 jobs dependent on Reef health.

“We support the Premier’s commitment to a 50 per cent cut in pollution over 4 years – a cut the Reef desperately needs to better cope with climate change.

“Federal and State governments must now unite the $200m Commonwealth and $175m State investments to ensure the deepest pollution cuts in the shortest time.

“However, the devil is in the detail – the conservation sector trusts the Premier and Minister will consult closely on funding, prohibition and enforcement details.”

“The effectiveness of the laws will depend on how the Premier allocates her $175m commitment between new on-ground enforcement, education and extension capacity,” said Toby Hutcheon, Executive Director of Queensland Conservation.

“The laws should include clear prohibitions of unacceptable high risk practices,” said Darren Kindleysides, Campaign Director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

“Given the innovation and scope of the laws, we call on the State to review progress each year,” said Des Boyland, Campaign Manager of Wildlife Queensland. More information

Nick Heath, WWF-Australia Program Leader Phone: 0418 885 324

Nikki Todd, WWF-Australia Media Officer Phone: 0408 011 204

Contributed by Tim Hochgrebe added 2009-06-07