WWF: DUMPING BAN MUST EXTEND TO ENTIRE GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE AREA

WWF-Australia today welcomed the Federal Government’s release of the details of its ban on the dumping of dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but re-affirmed its call for a federal ban over the entire World Heritage Area.

“The marine park ban, first announced by Minister Hunt last November, is a welcome step towards protecting the Reef from damaging dredge spoil,” WWF-CEO Dermot O’Gorman said.

“But WWF has always called for a ban in the entire World Heritage Area."

“The marine park does not include 3,600 square kilometres including port exclusion areas."

“Eighty per cent of recent dumping has occurred just outside the marine park which means dredge plumes can easily drift into these protected waters."

“The Queensland Government has an election commitment to ban dumping in the entire World Heritage Area."

“The strongest level of protection for the Reef would be provided by a World Heritage Area ban introduced by both levels of government."

“That’s why we re-affirm our call for a federal dumping ban over the entire World Heritage Area."

“There should be bi-partisan support for protecting all the Reef’s World Heritage waters."

“It’s crucial the Federal and Queensland government bans are enacted before the World Heritage Committee meets in June to consider declaring the reef ‘world heritage in danger’”, he said.

WWF-Australia Media Contact:

Mark Symons, Senior Media Officer, 0400 985 571