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Category: Great Barrier Reef / Activism and Lobbying / Public Sector / Coal / Sea Transport / Climate Change / Marine Parks

Coal shipping not the main threat to the Great Barrier Reef: Environment Minister

Tuesday, 17 May 2016 09:53:24

Coral exposed to coal dust during testing turned black and died.

Stopping shipping through the Great Barrier Reef is not an option for an exporting state like Queensland, the State Government says, after a new study warns of grave consequences if there was a coal spill.

Researchers at Townsville's James Cook University in north Queensland said coal dust in sea water could kill coral within two weeks, and slow the growth of seagrass and fish.

Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles said he would look at the report, but people should be reassured about shipping safety.

"It is already the most strictly regulated shipping area in the world," he said.

"It's very closely monitored and regulated and that includes regulating channels through which ships can traverse."

He said the research was useful but coal shipping was not the main threat to the Great Barrier Reef.

"The main localised threats are sediment and nutrient run-off from the land and the big long-term threat is climate change," he said.

"Shipping is something we need to very closely regulate but we shouldn't let us distract us from what the main threats are."

AustraliaPlus


 

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