The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has called for an investigation into the Queensland government’s handling of port development plans for the Great Barrier Reef.
The 730 Report last night raised allegations about a conflict of interest between two members of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, business man Tony Mooney and the head of Premier’s Department, Jon Grayson, and the development of policies to facilitate ports for mining interests in the Great Barrier Reef.
Felicity Wishart, AMCS Great Barrier Reef campaign director , said all new port developments on the Reef should be put on hold until we have got to the bottom of what’s occurred.
“Today we are calling for an investigation to be conducted by the Crime and Misconduct Commission so that we can all have confidence about the separation between decision makers and mining interests, ” Ms Wishart said.
“ Allegations raised on the 730 Report are very serious and affect Australians’ confidence in the entire industrialisation of the Great Barrier Reef’s coastline.
“Plans for mega-ports along the coast have been fast tracked and given special treatment by government.
“The CMC should investigate the role government played in fast tracking developments and approvals.
“We rely on the government, at a state and federal level, to protect the Reef from industrialisation.
“As the 730 Report revealed, there are tourism operators along the coast who are very worried they will be affected by the vast dredging and dumping projects planned for the Reef.
“All further port developments need to be put on hold. The mining boom is slowing so we do not need to be rushing into further port expansions and can take the time to investigate what has occurred, ” Ms Wishart said.
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Press Release, October 30, 2013