Queenslanders ‘won’t cop it’: Plibersek’s plan to back Great Barrier Reef

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is headed for a showdown with the World Heritage Committee over the status of the Great Barrier Reef. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Queenslanders “won’t cop” the Great Barrier Reef being singled out, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said as she expressed confidence the natural wonder will avoid getting slapped with an “in danger” label by the United Nations.

Ms Plibersek, who jetted off to Montreal on Thursday evening to attend an international biosecurity conference, will used the trip to help lobby World Heritage Committee member states against ruling the Reef to be in danger.

The Reef narrowly avoided the controversial ruling last year, with a stay of execution granted until a future meeting of the WHC expected next year.

Tourism providers fear such a ruling would damage the Reef’s reputation and hit visitor numbers.

Ms Plibersek said she wanted to reassure Queenslanders that the recent Reef Monitoring Mission report, released last month urging the Reef to be listed as in danger, was not a formal recommendation of the WHC.

“This is a very technical and scientific report, it is just one thing UNESCO will take into account when they make a recommendation to the World Heritage Committee next year,” she said.

Ms Plibersek said that she would advocate for the Reef, not only at the Montreal conference but at all upcoming international engagements.

“No one cares more about the Reef better than Australians, than Queenslanders. It’s simply not fair to single Australia out. Queenslanders won’t cop it,” she said.

“If the Great Barrier Reef is in danger, then every coral reef in the world is in danger.

“If this World Heritage site is in danger, then most world heritage sites around the world are in danger from climate change.”

The WHC report listed 10 “high priority” actions it wanted taken to prevent a listing, including tougher land clearing laws, temporary closure of some fisheries, and to update the Reef 2050 plan with clear commitments on reducing emissions.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Ms Plibersek said it was in the best interests of Australian for the Reef not to be listed as an in danger world heritage site and work was taking place to prevent that.

“Since the Monitoring Mission undertook their work, the government has engaged in constructive dialogue with UNESCO, and taken a number of significant steps forward,” she said.

“The Government is absolutely determined to do our bit to keep global warming beneath 1.5 degrees. We’ve legislated. We’ve invested. We’re working hard to make sure that that’s the case through all of our policies.”