Labor vowed to ban ‘trans-shipping’ in reef waters after UN’s scientific body raised concerns about proposal in 2014The Queensland Labor government has flagged breaking a 2015 election promise by allowing the loading of coal ships at sea in the Great Barrier Reef marine park. Queensland LNP pledges to promote coal and ‘resist environmental groups’ Read more“A big part of this will be making sure bulk commodities are trans-shipped well away from the Great Barrier Reef,” Miles said. However, an environment department consultation paper inviting public comment reveals that trans-shipping would be allowed in the Great Barrier Reef marine park when it is “in association with a declared port”. And this proviso would not apply to existing operations in reef waters. Australia must choose between coal and coral – the Great Barrier Reef depends on it Read more“It will increase ship movements meaning more noise, more light, more likelihood of ship strikes of marine animals.

Source: The Guardian September 22, 2017 19:52 UTC