Who is protecting this Great Barrier?

Erin Palmer and Johanna Roche 8 December 2014

An exploration of coal port expansion and it’s impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Home to many species of endangered animals and coral. The reef is listed as a World Heritage Site, expressing

just how important this ecosystem is. Recently, the Australian Government has been moving forward with plans to expand coal exports, putting the livelihood of the reef in danger.

Oversized ships made for transporting coal exports, like the one shown here, are soon to become very common off the coast of Far North Queensland. These ships can be so great in size that it is necessary to dredge the seabed in order to let them easily pass through shallow water.

As the ships come in to port, they stir up the sediments on the sea floor. When the sediments are stirred up, they make the once crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean murky and

uninviting. Not only is this water unappealing, but supporting a thriving ecosystem becomes an almost impossible task.

Lindsey Mckay, a fulltime employee of Cairns Region Lifeguards, expresses her concern about the port expansion and its effects on the large tourism industry which relies on the reef and surrounding beaches. “As the ships come into port, they destroy the beauty of the coast which is something the tourists specifically come here for,” she explains, “without the tourism industry, this region would severely struggle.”

Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is the anti-environmental leader of the country. His track records continue to show extreme support for the industry over the environment. Citizens worry about the future of Australia’s environment when the decision making powers are in the hands of people like Abbott.

Attempting to please environmentalists, the government has proposed to dump the dredged seabed material on land instead of in the ocean near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Unfortunately, the proposed land set aside for dumping is an important wetland area which filters out runoff water that ultimately enters the ocean very close to the GBR.

Being one of the most popular tourist locations worldwide, the government is setting the country up for a major economic loss. Coal may create a burst in income for a few years, but it is only short-lived. Changing the focus back to tourism, a long-term lucrative industry, will provide a steady income for an indefinite period of time.

Not only does the dredging affect the tourism industry, but it puts high levels of stress on the Great Barrier Reef’s ecosystem. Many species that live in this rare environment, like the Giant Maori Wrasse picture here, are already becoming endangered. Lack of management within the reef is sure to give these species a death sentence.