AMCS Fight For Our Reef Campaign Director Imogen Zethoven said the next Queensland government has a special responsibility to accelerate the switch to renewable energy to secure the future of our Great Barrier Reef:
“Our Reef is in grave danger because of climate change, driven primarily by the burning of coal and other fossil fuels. The future survival of our Reef, and its workforce of 64,000, depends on a rapid switch to 100% renewable energy.
“In July this year UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee called on State Parties to undertake the most ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement to protect global coral reefs.
“Today’s policy statement by the LNP represents the least ambitious implementation.
“The LNP’s statement contains two bureaucratic commitments – setting up a Cabinet Committee and a one stop shop – and pledges to investigate and monitor. There are no targets, funding commitments, or specific on the ground actions.
“In contrast, the LNP has made a clear commitment to subsidise the building of a coal-fired power station in North Queensland.
AMCS calls on the LNP to review its deeply flawed renewable energy policy in the light of the unprecedented back to back bleaching events.
“This policy would fast track the Reef to further coral bleaching and damage. Tourism operators are already reporting that it’s getting harder to avoid dead corals when taking tourists to our natural wonder.
“The LNP must recognise what’s at stake: 64,000 jobs in regional Queensland are at risk if the Reef suffers irreversible damage and loses its World Heritage status.
“It’s not too late to save the Great Barrier Reef but the LNP must change direction and commit to the ambitious targets and resources needed to deliver a rapid transition to renewable energy in Queensland.”
For further information please contact:
Gemma Freeman, AMCS Media and Communications Officer | 0412 505 405 | [email protected]
Imogen Zethoven, Fight for our Reef Campaign Director | 0431 565 495 | [email protected]