News & Media News & Media DEA writes to UNESCO about danger to the Great Barrier Reef

DEA writes to UNESCO about danger to the Great Barrier Reef

The letter below expresses our concerns over potential pollution from run off from the extensive coal and coal seam gas mining and from the development of large new ports. There have been two developments since the letter was sent which increase our concerns.

Firstly, the Minister has announced a scientific inquiry (a strategic assessment) into the likely impacts of the ports.  This can be seen as a conciliatory response to admonishment from the World Heritage Committee.  However, by the time the assessment is completed there will probably be irrevocable approvals of many ports. A good Sir Humphrey response.

Secondly a hundred million tonnes of the dredged material from the construction of the ports will be dumped in the heritage area.

Greenpeace has produced an excellent report and members should support the petition

Now read the letter