OPPOSITION THREATENS FUTURE OF GREAT BARRIER REEF

CAIRNS: The future of the Great Barrier Reef would remain under threat under a Coalition Government, Premier Anna Bligh, said today.

Ms Bligh she was shocked that the Shadow Minister for the Sustainable Environment and Climate Change David Gibson had put management of the Reef in the too hard basket.

“Doing whatever we can to save the Reef will be a top priority of my Government,” Ms Bligh said.

“Sadly this is not the case with the Liberal National Party.

“Mr Gibson made it clear in Cairns Parliament today that he had kow-towed to powerful rural interest lobby groups and would allow current pollution of the Reef to continue unabated.

“His ‘do nothing’ option will result in the death of the Reef – a national treasure recognised around the world.”

Ms Bligh said the scientific evidence showed the presence of pesticide residues, especially herbicides, was widespread in water bodies of the Reef, including streams, wetlands, estuaries, coastal and reef waters.

“Pollutants are killing the Reef,” Ms Bligh said.

“They are largely the result of sugar cane cultivation and cropping and while some farmers have made a concerted issue to address the issue voluntarily it is simply not enough.

“That is why we have announced $50 million over five years to support regulation to prevent agricultural water pollution in Great Barrier Reef catchments.

“On the other hand Lawrence Springborg has rejected the scientific evidence of the best minds in the country and come up with his own conclusion – pigs.

“According to him pigs are killing the Reef, volcanoes cause climate change and recycled water changes the sex of fish.

“His comments are embarrassing and have the potential to make Queensland a laughing stock.

Ms Bligh said her Government recognised that if nothing was done the Great Barrier Reef would be dead in thirty or forty years.

“We know regulation won’t be a popular decision with everyone,” she said.

“However good government requires action and tough decisions – a lesson Mr Gibson and Mr Springborg are obviously yet to learn.”

October 29, 2008

Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500