ABBOT POINT DECISION IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING

Media Release

Date:  31 January 2014

"Today's decision by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to grant a permit to dump dredge spoil from Abbot Point in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is deeply concerning," Shadow Environment Minister Mark Butler said today.
"The Reef is in poor health and we need to do all we can to protect and restore the health of this World Heritage site."
"This project has the potential to upset the fragile health of the Great Barrier Reef and impact the $6 billion tourism industry generated from national and international visitors to the Reef."
"While in government, Labor initiated a comprehensive Strategic Assessment to ensure the continued long term protection of the unique environmental and heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area."
"This comprehensive assessment was designed to look at development activities associated with port expansion."
"Labor has been committed to ensuring development within and adjacent to the World Heritage Area is appropriate and sustainable over the long term."
"As part of the Strategic Assessment a comprehensive series of reports were commissioned covering a broad range of issues pertinent to the Great Barrier Reef, including the critical issues of dredging and dumping."
"The Barrier Reef Authority has always enjoyed bipartisan support to make decisions in the best interest of the Great Barrier Reef. I hope the Authority has approved this application based on these reports and the best available scientific advice."
"As the Authority knows all too well, the Great Barrier Reef is under a lot of strain." In the short time since coming to government, Environment Minister Greg Hunt has approved three major projects in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment : Abbot Point dredging, Curtis Island gas terminal expansion and mining permits for the Galilee Basin.
In addition, he has handed over responsibility for environment assessment and approvals for projects in the area to Campbell Newman.
"Minister Hunt's record does not represent a respect for Australia's greatest natural asset and the community who relies on a vibrant ecosystem," Mr Butler said.