Report shows LNP Government abandons Great Barrier Reef: Trad

Media Release

Shadow Environment Minister Jackie Trad said the Newman Government was all talk and no action when it came to protecting the Great Barrier Reef from the effects of climate change.
“The LNP has done everything it can to wind back environmental protections in Queensland, and today’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report shows the stark reality of LNP inaction on climate change,” Ms Trad said.
“Sadly, our biggest environmental icon and tourism drawcard is also set to be the hardest hit.
“This report confirms that coral reefs are the marine ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change, particularly due to ocean acidification from increased carbon.

“The report says:
“Warming and acidification will lead to coral bleaching, mortality and decreased constructional ability (high confidence) making coral reefs the most vulnerable marine ecosystem with little scope for adaptation.”
“Already studies have shown that coral cover has declined by over 50% in the last 27 years. Ten per cent of that decline is attributable to coral bleaching with a further 48% due to cyclone and storm damage.
“Not only is the very existence of the Reef at stake, but the tourism industry that relies on it could go with it.
“The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park attracts about 1.9 million visits each year and contributes $5.4 billion to the Australian economy, along with 54,000 jobs.
“The continued degradation of the Reef could see whole regional economies go under.
“The independent IPCC report shows that climate change is real, it’s having an impact on our environmental and that impact will get worse as the years go by and the LNP sits on its hands.”
Ms Trad said a number of Newman Government actions have undermined Queensland’s climate change responses, including the gutting of the Vegetation Management Act which reduced carbon emissions by 20-25 million tonnes per year and was almost single-handedly responsible for Australia meeting its Kyoto Protocol targets.

“Tony Abbott has taken Australia back to the dark ages when it comes to tackling climate change. Labor recognises that just about every single expert around the world believes that a market-based mechanism is the best way to decrease emissions and encourage investment in renewable energy, leading to a more sustainable future for our environment.
“And with the Premier and the Environment Minister both on the record denying the impact humans are having on our climate, I have real fears for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

“It’s time the LNP listens to the science and puts the best interests of the Reef ahead of their own political interests.”