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Government commits to protecting the Great Barrier ReefThe Federal Government renewed its commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for the future with the State Party Report on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area released on Feb 1.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said that the management and protection of the reef is a top priority and the government is committed to adapting and improving management to meet future challenges.
The State Party Report, presented to the World Heritage Committee, addresses the 2012 decision of the World Heritage Committee and the recommendations of the 2012 joint World Heritage Centre/International Union for the Conservation of Nature monitoring mission.
"This Report highlights the government's actions so far including by conducting a comprehensive strategic assessment, and progressing the independent Review of the Port of Gladstone,” said Mr Burke.
"It highlights Australia's best practices in marine park management and confirms our willingness to share our expertise with other countries experiencing similar conservation issues.
"The Gillard Government is acting to protect the Reef, we have already invested $200 million in the Reef Rescue program and have committed to the next stage of funding.
"We will also provide an additional $800,000 to fight the crown-of-thorns starfish," Mr Burke added.
The Commonwealth and Queensland governments are currently progressing draft strategic assessment and program reports and these will be released for public comment in the first half of the year.
"The strategic assessment will assist in future planning for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by determining where sustainable development can occur, the type of development that will be allowed and the conditions under which development may proceed."
Mr Burke said the Government has also progressed an independent and public review of environmental management arrangements and governance of Queensland's Port of Gladstone.
"The Gladstone review was a key recommendation of the World Heritage Committee and will provide an opportunity for the many people concerned about the status of the reef to have their say,” said Mr Burke.
The State Party Report is a progress report that builds on the information provided in the previous State Party Report of 2012.
The report is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/great-barrier-reef/information.html.
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