Governments sit on hands while pollution damages Reef: WWF
22 Mar 2007
Governments must act urgently to address the problem of pollution from farms running onto the iconic Great Barrier Reef, which is showing signs of serious damage, warns WWF-Australia.
There has been a 400% increase in nutrient pollution, 800% increase in mud pollution and 3,000% increase in chemical pollution on the Reef since farming was introduced along the Queensland coast.
WWF-Australia's Program Leader for Water Nick Heath said increased farm pollution seriously threatened the health of the World Heritage Reef and the $6 billion a year tourism industry it supports.
"There is a strong link between high nutrient pollution and outbreaks of the devastating crown of thorns starfish," Mr Health said.
"The risk is farm pollution will feed another outbreak of this invasive species, which devastates reefs and can halve coral cover.
"The Reef tourism and other coastal industry - which the Federal Government has identified as being worth around $6 billion a year and employs over 60,000 Queenslanders - should not have to put up with another farm pollution induced outbreak."
Despite the Queensland and Federal governments signing the '2003 Reef Water Quality Protection Plan', aimed at reducing Reef pollution, Qld Premier Peter Beattie has yet to seriously act on the issue, and instead this week released a 'discussion paper'.
The discussion paper shows that after three and a half years the Queensland Government has so far failed to enforce on-farm reform targets for reducing pollution on the Reef.
"As many as 700 reefs are under threat from farm pollution - mostly in the highest tourism visitation areas around Cairns and the Whitsundays," Mr Heath said.
Diuron and Atrazine - pesticides used by the cane industry - have now been found up to 100kms offshore.
"Pollution robs corals of light and the conditions needed to reproduce and adds to the threats posed by climate change," Mr Heath said.
WWF is calling for a $300 million government commitment to reduce Reef pollution by investing in on-ground action where it matters most - on the farm.
"Funds should be targeted at areas already identified as producing the most pollution, and could be distributed by regional groups, agencies and industry bodies over the next three years," Mr Heath said.
"Saving the Reef will save the Reef tourism industry, help protect the fishing industry, maintain our farms' productivity and protect the Reef's beauty for future generations to enjoy."
For more information
Charlie Stevens, Press Officer, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1274
Mobile: 0424 649 689
Email: cstevens@wwf.org.au
Nick Heath, Program leader for Water,, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 041 888 5324
