2016-01-29
A James Cook University study out today shows Australians care deeply for our Great Barrier Reef and are concerned about its future.
"Australians have every right to be concerned about the future of our treasured Great Barrier Reef," Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and climate change spokesperson, said.
"Nearly 90 per cent of Australians surveyed said global warming was a threat to the Reef, and scientists tell us it's the biggest threat to the Reef, but the Queensland and federal governments just don't seem to get it.
"Sadly, governments are putting economically unviable new coal mines and coal ports ahead of our much-loved Reef.
"They're allowing hundreds of millions of tonnes of coal to be shipped through the Reef to come back to bite this precious World Heritage Area through global warming.
"As one of the 77 per cent of Australians that regard the Reef as part of their national identity, I will continue to work in the Parliament for stronger laws that protect our magnificent Reef and address global warming.
"By embracing clean energy we can create jobs in Queensland without sacrificing our iconic Great Barrier Reef and the 69 000 jobs it provides," Senator Waters said.