Photo © Wildlife QueenslandThe coal and coal seam gas industries have been given the green light by both the State and Commonwealth Governments for rapid development and expansion with assurances that checks and balances are in place to ensure environmental harm will be minimal.
Events in Gladstone with disasters unfolding before our eyes throw considerable doubt on those Governments’ assurances. Dead turtles, diseased fish and sediment loads that trigger the cessation of dredging surely are matters of concern.
Wildlife Queensland is concerned and calls on Governments to urgently undertake studies on the cumulative impact of these developments on our marine life and the Great Barrier Reef. The conservation movement is often accused of being alarmists. However it is time to review what is occurring especially as the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) express extreme concern over developments associated with these industries in the Gladstone region that have the potential to put the Great Barrier Reef at risk.
There are suggestions that this icon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, could lose its World Heritage Status or at least be awarded the ‘Park in Peril’ status – a damning indictment on those responsible for its management and protection. It is Wildlife Queensland’s understanding that UNESCO are seeking answers and assurances that measures are in place to ensure there is no environmental harm likely to occur to the reef.
Get Up have created an urgent petition, as they launch this campaign on the global stage.
Add your name to the petition calling on Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to immediately halt all dredging in the Gladstone Harbour and Great Barrier Reef and not to approve any major coastal developments until the UNESCO strategic assessment has been completed.
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