Master plan launched to save Australian icon
A multi-billion dollar plan to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef has been launched by the State and Federal governments today.
The 35-year program will include Reef dumping bans, wildlife protection policies and research initiatives to handle on-land dredge spoil dumping.
It comes after UNESCO demanded Australia come up with a long-term plan to safeguard the reef, otherwise it has threatened to list it as a World Heritage site in danger.
The natural asset is believed to be under threat from poor water quality, and port and other coastal developments.
The plan is designed to protect wildlife such as turtles and dugongs
Australia has been given until February to show its protection efforts are adequate.
Queensland's Environment Minister Andrew Powell says the new Reef 2050 plan is about showing UNESCO that Australia is doing the right thing.
Key stakeholders have had a say in the strategy, including the Australian Institute of Marine Science and conservation groups such as WWF, Mr Powell said.
But Ports Australia, which represents government and privately-owned ports, and the farming lobby group AgForce were also involved, he said.
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the plan reflected dual priorities.
"Maintaining and protecting this iconic World Heritage Area, while considering the needs for long-term sustainable development, is a critical priority," he said.
The document includes targets and actions to help protect the reef from threats and sets out other priorities, such as species conservation.
But there is also acknowledgement that "existing sustainable activities", listed as tourism, shipping, agriculture, fishing and others, should be supported.
Mr Hunt has urged Australians to have their say on the draft plan, which can be downloaded at www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reef2050.
Morning news break – September 15
