WWF Australia is calling for protection of the Great Barrier Reef after the Queensland Government revealed draft plans for industrial development, threatening Australia’s snubfun dolphin and other marine life.
WWF Australia has expressed its concern over the protection of the Reef which is closer to being listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Danger list if the Government opens new port developments along the Queensland coast.
Richard Leck, spokesperson for WWF, said: “Earlier this year, UNESCO delivered a ‘show cause’ notice to the Australian and Queensland Governments and requested that no new port development or associated infrastructure outside of the existing and long-established major port areas be permitted.”
The proposed development sites located within Keppel Bay and the Fitzroy River Delta, add new threats to the recently discovered Australian Snubfin dolphin and four species of turtles.
He added: “The Queensland Government agreed that any port expansion will be concentrated in areas where long established ports already exist, such as Gladstone Harbour. But today’s announcement that new ports are set to be green-lighted around 60km north of Gladstone flies in the face of the Government’s earlier commitment to UNESCO.”
WWF is hoping to work with the Queensland Government to ensure a plan is developed which will keep the Great Barrier Reef from reaching UNESCO’s list.
