He told ABC radio that the health of the reef had been encouraged in the years leading up to the most recent bleaching event and the federal and state governments had banned dredging in the marine park while still encouraging coal mine development.
“We've received a strong endorsement that our Reef 2050 plan, which is a coordinated integrated effort with the Queensland government to spend $2 billion on enhancing the resilience of the reef, is working,” he said.
“We're reducing the nitrogen and the sediment runoff, we're tackling the crown of thorns starfish, which is a natural predator to the coral, and we're taking every action possible to ensure that this great wonder of the world stays viable and healthy for future generations to come.”
The federal government will seek an independent scientific expert panel’s advice of on water quality around the reef.
“We have a meeting coming up next week in Brisbane where I'll be discussing with my Queensland counterpart how we can improve water quality,” Frydenberg said.
“We have a number of major investments underway and by reducing the nitrogen and the sediment runoff by improving the gullies and the land management practices of the graziers and the sugarcane farmers, we can improve the water quality.”
Frydenberg defended the contribution of coal to the economy and downplayed its impact on the reef.
“Globally the demand for coal is actually increasing,” he said.
“There are 1600 coal fired power plants either being built or being planned across 62 different countries.
“Now Australia's coal is low in sulphur and low in ash, whether it's coming from the Hunter Valley or indeed from the Galilee Basin and is continue to be sought after, it's our second largest export.
“The Adani mine and other mines like it can create thousands of jobs, particularly for the regions of Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton where there has been higher unemployment.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the news and said the committee recognised the work being undertaken to protect the international icon.
“This decision recognises our unprecedented level of effort and funding to protect the reef and the 64,000 jobs it supports,” she said.
“As well as its incredible natural beauty, it’s the Reef’s World Heritage status that makes it a must see destination for tourists.
“That’s why we’ve increased funding to protect it. This financial year alone the Palaszczuk government will spend more than $63 million protecting the reef.”
Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles said the government was also acknowledged for its progress in enforcing the reef regulations and the successful implementation of the ports legislation.
“We’ve banned the dumping of capital dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef and we’ve limited port expansions on the reef coastline to four major ports that have the best and deepest channels,” he said.
“The decision really does acknowledge our efforts. It says, ‘there has undoubtedly been an unprecedented level of increased effort’ and that ‘this effort is a marked departure from past practices and deserves full recognition.
“Even the global community understands that what the Newman-Nicholls government did by axing sensible tree clearing laws and refusing to enforce minimum standards for farm runoff was a close call for the reef.”
