UNESCO has revealed its draft decision that the World Heritage Committee not recommend the Great Barrier Reef for inscription on the World Heritage “In Danger” List.
If Labor is serious about protecting the Great Barrier Reef it will reject Woodside’s Browse project, which is being reviewed by the Minister after a historical legal intervention secured a reconsideration request due to the impact of the project’s emissions on the Great Barrier Reef.
The request followed comprehensive new evidence directly linking the project’s emissions to coral deaths on the Reef.
The World Heritage Committee will make its final decision at a meeting in South Korea from 19-29 July.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“As long as Labor remains content with ripping open new coal and gas projects that are cooking our oceans, the Great Barrier Reef is at risk of losing its World Heritage values forever.
“The Albanese government is still gambling with the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Labor’s pathetic climate target is consistent with warming above 2°C, which experts warn will cause the loss of 99% of coral reefs.
“Make no mistake that a deliberate decision is repeatedly being made by Labor to put the profits of fossil fuel companies over the health of our planet. Including the survival of one of the greatest natural wonders in the world that this government is the guardian of.
“Improvements to federal environmental laws that now apply to the deforestation of Great Barrier Reef catchments was a key factor in UNESCO’s decision. The only reason these changes exist is because the community and the Greens fought for them.
“The future of the Great Barrier Reef remains perilous under Labor’s watch. The only thing that will truly protect the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef is immediate climate action, which means the Albanese Labor government ending its reckless support of new fossil fuels.”
