Australia's Prime Minister has been condemned, once again, for putting his country's already fragile Great Barrier Reef under threat. In what could be an environmental disaster with global implications, Australia's federal government decided to allow the dredging of one the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
"What I am concerned about is the Queensland Resources Council is undermining the reputation of the reef.It's going to put our tourism industry at threat and at the same time denying any responsibility for ensuring the reef is protected from this dredging and dumping."
Just added my voice to stop the destruction of our reef. It's great to see how GetUp! and Greenpeace have shown different methods of layout and digital design in their websites.
Thought this was a great aspect to include in their campaign as it helps readers to understand what the issues are with the reef in an easy to understand way and also helps readers connect with the GBR and to feel a sense of support for the Australian and Queensland community. Here it is:
Issues include:
· This new port development will require the dredging of 3 million cubic metres of substrate in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and a known humpback whale aggregation site.
· It will require the clearing of an endangered ecological community, and removal of seagrass, which is food for Green Turtles and dugongs.
· The development will result in an additional 500 ships per year through the Great Barrier Reef, increasing the risk of damage, oil spill and exotic marine pests.
· The area is listed as a high priority foraging area for Green Turtles, and a mating and nesting area for both Green and Flatback Turtles. Loss of beaches and light pollution are known to be threatening to the life-cycles of marine turtles.
· To build the terminal, there will be pile-driving in a known humpback whale aggregation and resting area for 15 months.
Another great source that has updated links on what's happening to the Reef from the QLD politic party 'The Greens.' Interesting to read their thoughts as they would inevitably have something to say about the issue.
The 27-year decline of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef and its causes. Very detailed report, however there is no doubt that dredging will impact the reef negatively and no PR campaign is going to be able to hide that fact.