2016-03-21
21/03/2016
The Greens are calling on the Turnbull and Palaszczuk governments to stop allowing new coal mines in the wake of the coral bleaching threat increasing to three – the highest level.
Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and climate change spokesperson, said:
“Increased monitoring is important but if we continue to open new coal mines the monitoring results will only get worse and worse.
“Both the Liberal federal government and the Labor state government are letting the Reef be used as a highway for coal and gas.
“The old parties must break their addiction with fossil fuels and dirty donations in order to save the Great Barrier Reef and our very way of life.
“Scientists are clear – we can have coal or the Reef.
“Economically, the choice is obvious given the coal industry is already dying, sacking thousands of workers and is reliant on government subsidies.
“We have viable renewable alternatives that won’t cost our Reef or the 67 000 jobs it provides and will create jobs for people who have lost work in the dying coal industry,” Senator Waters said.
Contact – Monique Vandeleur 0419 626 725