Adani: Former Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef chairman supports charity

The outgoing Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef chairman has urged the public to support the charity in the wake of the recent Adani mine controversy.

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FORMER Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef chairman Alex de Waal has kept a low profile since stepping down from the board in the wake of the recent Adani mine controversy.

Mr de Waal resigned after an alleged conflict of interest surrounding his positions as CGBR chairman and CEO of Greyhound Australia, which won a contract to bus workers to the Adani mine construction site.

Former Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef chairman Alex de Waal. Picture: Andrea Falvo

Mr de Waal did not comment on the matter and said his short-term plans were to “go to bed this evening and get up tomorrow.”

“It’s important that we leave citizens to continue their good work,” Mr de Waal said.

CGBR CEO Andy Ridley said the turn of events was “very disappointing.”

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO Andy Ridley on Moore Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“We have very clear rules,” Mr Ridley said.

“We were in a position where we had no choice.”

CGBR has released a statement confirming its split from Greyhound: “Having been notified of what is a clear conflict with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef’s ethical charter, we have ended our partnership with Greyhound Australia.”

Enterprise North head Kevin Byrne described the charity as having been “hijacked” by an environmental agenda.

Originally published as Adani: Former Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef chairman supports charity