Reef Regulation Forum in Mackay Continues Consultation Process
Published Friday, 13 February, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister, Andrew McNamara and Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, will tomorrow hear the views of canegrowers and graziers on the Bligh Government’s move to protect the future health of the Great Barrier Reef.
At a public forum in Mackay (Feb 15), Mr McNamara will ask for considered views on regulation options to stop agricultural run off polluting the Reef’s lagoons.
Minister Mulherin is also consulting with agricultural businesses in the Mackay region to find workable solutions that benefit the Reef as well as growers and graziers.
“Premier Bligh has put $50 million on the table for regulation action for the next five years,” Mr McNamara said.
“There is enough scientific evidence now that shows despite the tremendous effort by some primary producers to change their business practices, it’s just not enough to improve water quality in reef catchments.”
“Agricultural businesses need to be part of the solution,” Mr Mulherin said.
This will be the fourth public forum Minister McNamara has attended to discuss the issue: Proserpine (Dec 14), Ingham (Nov 30) and Home Hill (Nov 23).
“The regulation approach the government is proposing is meant to complement the voluntary work that is already in place.”
On Monday, February 9, Minister McNamara chaired the second meeting of the Reef Steering Committee comprising industry and non-industry organisations.
Media Inquiries: Bill Ferguson Ph: 336 8004/0439761416
At a public forum in Mackay (Feb 15), Mr McNamara will ask for considered views on regulation options to stop agricultural run off polluting the Reef’s lagoons.
Minister Mulherin is also consulting with agricultural businesses in the Mackay region to find workable solutions that benefit the Reef as well as growers and graziers.
“Premier Bligh has put $50 million on the table for regulation action for the next five years,” Mr McNamara said.
“There is enough scientific evidence now that shows despite the tremendous effort by some primary producers to change their business practices, it’s just not enough to improve water quality in reef catchments.”
“Agricultural businesses need to be part of the solution,” Mr Mulherin said.
This will be the fourth public forum Minister McNamara has attended to discuss the issue: Proserpine (Dec 14), Ingham (Nov 30) and Home Hill (Nov 23).
“The regulation approach the government is proposing is meant to complement the voluntary work that is already in place.”
On Monday, February 9, Minister McNamara chaired the second meeting of the Reef Steering Committee comprising industry and non-industry organisations.
Media Inquiries: Bill Ferguson Ph: 336 8004/0439761416