Queensland Resources CEO Michael Roche said Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk’s policy commitment was a welcome signal that the major parties contesting the state election are focused on combatting the scientifically documented threats to the reef.
“Regardless of which party forms the next state government on 1 February, it is essential that Queensland’s commitment to protecting the reef is not only scientifically valid but also communicated clearly,” he said.
“UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee is set to consider an ‘in-danger’ listing for the Great Barrier Reef in June, which no one wants to see happen.”
But Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said the Greens party would continue to campaign for the protection of the reef and steps to reduce the environmental impact of the Abbot Point coal loader expansion.
“Tony Abbott and Campbell Newman have the same arrogant agenda that is anti-environment and makes life harder for everyday people,” Milne said.
“Together they have inflicted more than 50 attacks on Queensland’s environment, including approving the world's largest coal port in the Great Barrier Reef.
“Queenslanders have an important opportunity to send a message to Campbell Newman and Tony Abbott that the state's environment, tourism and agriculture are worth more than their big mining mates' private profits and political donations.”
The country’s politicians “need to be on the same page” if Queensland is to reassure the international community of the state’s determination to respond to the challenges confronting the reef and avoid an “in-danger” listing, Roche said.
The next Queensland government has the important and urgent responsibility of working with the Australian government and key stakeholders to finalise the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, he said.
“The Reef 2050 Plan has to be submitted to the World Heritage Committee in the very near future,” Roche said.
“It is this plan, developed in close consultation with the Reef 2050 Partnership Group, which has to demonstrate to the 21-member countries of the World Heritage Committee that Australia (and Queensland) has a strong and comprehensive plan to address threats to the health of the reef,” he said.
