Photo © Meg Green

Following receipt of Australia’s report in January 2012 including a summary of proposed coastal and port developments with potential impact on the outstanding universal values of the Great Barrier Reef, the UNESCO World Heritage Commission took action.

A joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN reactive monitoring mission visited the property in March 2012. A report has been released that indicates in the absence of substantial progress in addressing the requested actions in the report by 1 February 2013, there is a distinct possibility of the inscription of the Great Barrier Reef property on the list of World Heritage in Danger.

In the 1960s the Great Barrier Reef was ‘in peril’ and now almost 50 years later again its future is in question. Mining and oil drilling were the threats then and today it is infrastructure associated with mining and other industries that are the culprits. It is ironic that today’s members of Wildlife Queensland find themselves involved in a campaign that the foundation members of our Society fought and won.

Why should the Great Barrier Reef be protected?
Its universal value has been long recognised and it was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1981 satisfying four of the listed criteria. Its nomination was a certainty - combining its natural beauty and aesthetic importance, significant geomorphic features and ecological and biological processes containing the most important natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity.

Furthermore the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. It supports 200 species of birds, 1500 species of fish, 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises and over 400 species of coral. The Great Barrier Reef is not all about the environment. As a tourist attraction it generates an estimated $6 billion plus each year in revenue and supports over 63000 jobs.

Photo © Meg Green

What triggered the concern is the reported rapid recent increase in proposals for coastal development with potential impacts on the heritage values of the property contained in Australia’s report. There has been an alarming substantial and consistent development since 2008 notably in relation to the coal seam gas and coal industries. To quote the joint reactive monitoring mission report ‘This unprecedented scale of development affecting or potentially affecting the property poses serious concerns over its long term conservation.’

The World Heritage Committee welcomed the initial positive results of the Reef Plan in addressing poor water quality and requested that the program continues with increased funding where necessary. In addition the findings of the joint mission have been noted and the Australian and Queensland Governments have been requested to address the mission’s recommendations in its future protection and management of the property. A Strategic Assessment and resulting long term plan for the sustainable development of the property has been requested; so has a hold on any new port development or associated infrastructure outside of the existing and long established major ports areas within or adjoining the property.

Photo © Meg Green

Enhanced management planning is required to protect the outstanding universal values of the property. An independent review of the management arrangements for the Gladstone Harbour is required. Finally, the Australian Government has to report back by 1 February 2013 providing an updated report on the state of conservation of the property, including implementation of actions outlined in the mission report.

Wildlife Queensland advocates that the Queensland and Australian Governments put aside their political differences and work together to ensure better management and protection for the Great Barrier Reef. It would be a very sad day and a shocking indictment that Australia’s poor management should result in this world icon being inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

More information and useful links.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer's push to dump tailings risk a to Great Barrier Reef. Courier Mail 25 June 2012.

Australia has failed to protect Great Barrier Reef, says United Nations report. Courier Mail 21 June 2012.

Three Rs for the Reef - Resilience, Responsibility, Relief. WPSQ Townsville Branch Blog 21 June 2012.

UNESCO Report 2012 executive summary. June 2012.

Save the Great Barrier Reef from Coal - April 2012

UNESCO slams Great Barrier Reef management: you've got eight months to fix it. Courier Mail 2 June 2012.

What Price Development? The Great Barrier Reef at risk - November 2011

The delta of Queenland's Fitzroy river is under increasing pressure - October 2011

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email.