Barrier Reef Minister releases reef regulations discussion paper ahead of UNESCO meeting

The Palaszczuk Government’s reef regulations discussion paper released today (Thursday) highlights the need to ramp up progress on water quality targets, according to Minister for the Great Barrier Reef, Steven Miles.

Mr Miles said the paper strongly reinforced the message that everyone had a role to play in protecting the iconic reef.

“Sadly, during the recent Climate Action Roundtable in Cairns, we learned there have been increased reports of coral bleaching and disease from offshore Mackay to the Far North,” Mr Miles said.

“We know the reef is under severe stress and it is essential we do everything in our power to support its resilience and recovery. Improving the quality of water flowing to the reef is critical in achieving this.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to protecting the reef and we take our obligations to Queenslanders, the international community and UNESCO very seriously.

“Officials from my department and the Australian Government are meeting with World Heritage Centre representatives in Gland, Switzerland next week.

“This discussion paper provides clear evidence that we are exploring all options to deliver on our commitments.

“While much good work is being done by business, industry and the many dedicated landholders using best management practices, we know more needs to happen to improve the health of our waterways and the reef.

“We also know that clean, healthy water and a resilient reef makes good economic sense, particularly when we’re talking about the many reef-reliant industries worth some $6 billion a year to the Australian economy.”

The regulation package, which will broaden and enhance current reef regulations, forms part of the Queensland Government’s response to the recommendations of the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce.

The Taskforce found a mix of tools and approaches would be required, including a strengthened and staged regulatory approach to help eradicate the most polluting practices from a range of rural and urban industries in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, and transition these industries to improved management practices.

“The regulatory proposals include setting minimum practice standards across the banana, horticulture and grains sectors, and improving the minimum standards that already apply for sugarcane and grazing. They will also strengthen the existing water quality standards for urban development, stormwater management and other intensive land uses,” Mr Miles said.

“The aim is to minimise the loss of nutrients and sediments to the reef to accelerate progress towards the reef water quality targets, and maintain or improve productivity and profitability for agricultural businesses.

“We are not starting from scratch with this approach and want to reward existing efforts. Producers who are accredited against best management practice or similar programs that provide the ability to meet minimum regulated standards will not be required to take any further action. They will also remain outside the focus of compliance programs.”

The regulatory proposals also look at setting water pollution load limits for each of the 35 reef catchments to manage new development in high polluting catchments that may increase the amount of pollutants flowing to the reef.

Mr Miles said the regulatory approach was only one of a number of measures being implemented through the government’s additional $90 million investment in reef water quality.

“We’ve also introduced a compliance program that includes property visits to help cane farmers meet the existing regulated standards particularly in areas where there are high fertiliser, sediment and pesticide losses. This program has been operating for more than a year and it has been great to see people pro-actively responding and making changes to ensure their farming practices meet the requirements,” he said.

“Education and extension activities, incentives and improved water quality monitoring will support this regulatory approach which works alongside the various best management practice programs.

“Farming, development and the reef can co-exist in harmony, if managed appropriately, and we are firmly committed to working together to achieve this.”

Mr Miles encouraged people to provide feedback on the discussion paper, which is open for public comment until 7 April, 2017.

“We’ve been working with key organisations and industry groups and are now keen to hear from land managers and the wider community,” he said.

The discussion paper is available at www.qld.gov.au/greatbarrierreef

ENDS

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