Labor pledges greater Reef protection

Media Release

A future Labor Government will take further action to protect Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and rule out financial backing of dredging activities at Abbot Point.
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said today it made little sense to poor taxpayer funds into the project before it was a commercially viable project.
“Labor will not support the financially risky plans by the LNP for taxpayers to fund a private company’s dredging operations at Abbot Point even before its planned mine has proved to be commercially viable,” she said.
“Nor will we support the use of taxpayers’ funds to support a new rail line.
“In developing the export LNG industry Labor made sure private companies carried such costs, not taxpayers.
“That remains our approach.”
Ms Palaszczuk said Labor had already committed $100m to improve water quality and committed to banning the dumping of dredge spoil within the Great barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
She said a Labor Government was also committed to:
- reintroducing Labor’s nation-leading tree clearing laws;
- reinstating world-class coastal planning laws axed by the Newman Government; and
- repealing the LNP’s water laws which will have a detrimental effect on Reef catchment systems and allow for over allocation of Queensland’s precious water resources.
“When we talk about assets we should remember that Queensland is home to one of the world’s biggest natural assets — our Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Our Reef is facing major threats — poor water quality, coastal development, climate change, and damage from crown-of-thorns starfish.
“We have a responsibility to the world and to future generations to protect our Great Barrier Reef.
“Labor will ensure the world continues to enjoy its magnificent attractions while Queenslanders continue to receive the benefits of the 60,000 jobs it supports and the $6 billion it injects into our economy.”
Ms Palaszczuk added that a future Labor Government would:
Work with the Federal Government and the International Maritime Organisation to develop a new vessel class which will ensure bulk goods carriers meet stringent safety codes.
Rule out dumping dredge spoil on the Caley Valley wetlands.
Ensure any expansion of port capacity occurs within existing ports.
“Labor knows the real value of the Great Barrier Reef cannot be measured,” she said.

“That’s why I want to lead the government that puts the future of our Reef beyond doubt.”