Cutting pollution to the Great Barrier Reef by 50%

Up to 700 reefs are slowly dying from toxic farm run-off.

We must safeguard Queensland's most iconic natural wonder - a world renowned asset that injects $6 billion into the tourism economy and provides about 65,000 jobs

Pollutants from farming activity, rising temperatures associated with climate change and over-fishing present serious threats to the reef’s long-term survival.

Recent scientific evidence suggests a 2C rise in temperature will destroy a significant amount of the 2000km Reef, destroying pristine ecosystems and unique wildlife.

Yet the solutions are well known - reward good farm practice and ban high risk pesticide, fertiliser and cattle stocking practices.

Studies indicate that a 50 per cent cut in farm pollution is possible in five years – and at least 90 per cent of chemical pollution is caused by out-dated, wasteful farm practices.

Farming methods that degrade wetlands and riverbank rainforests, and which clear and over-graze erosive lands MUST be consigned to the past.

WWF strongly supports Premier Anna Bligh's assessment that current approaches will not deliver in time to save the Reef.

WWF has called for the nation's toughest farm regulations to protect the Reef; however any new laws MUST ban the highest risk practices in the highest risk areas.

That State and Federal governments need to use every means at their disposal to bring about this reduction, including targets, cash, new laws and better governance.

Simply reducing farm pollution will make the reef far stronger in its fight to survive climate change. We don’t want to be the generation of Queenslanders that watches the Reef die.

Further Information

Press Clippings

- SMH October 8 - Qld farmers may face new rules on Reef
- Courier Mail, October 9 - Bligh to Reef's rescue
- The Australian, December 18 - Reef 'set to suffer' this summer

Media Releases

- 18 Dec 2008 - Massive coral bleaching predicted over summer
- 28 Oct 2008 - Tough regulations needed to save Great Barrier Reef
- 8 October 2008 - Reef plan a positive, but more work to be done
- 7 August 2008 - Queensland Government ‘missing in action’ on reef

Reports

Reef Water Quality Protection Plan

Links

- WWF's Great Barrier Reef Information
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority