Greens only party with credible climate action plan to save Barrier Reef

The Greens are now the only party with a credible plan to tackle climate change, the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown.

In Brisbane today to launch the campaign of Australian Greens Queensland Senate candidate Larissa Waters, Senator Brown said without fast action to tackle climate change and acidification of the reef, as well as dangers from oil spills and water pollution, the Great Barrier Reef would die.

"Julia Gillard's plan to delay for another three years endangers the reef, and Tony Abbott's inaction is worse," said Senator Brown.

Senator Brown announced a new plan to tackle the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef, including:

• Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020
• Extending the requirements for satellite tracking of vessels on board vessels for all ships transporting coal and gas throughout the reef.
• An extension of compulsory pilotage across the entire reef for large transport ships through the relevant international forums.
• Banning the use of the pesticides, particularly Diuron, Atrazine and Ametryn, which are found in high concentrations in run-off from the land. They have a long half-life, are highly water soluble and are most likely to reach the Great Barrier Reef and cause harm.
"If elected, my top priority is to act on climate change - to create new clean energy jobs for Queenslanders and protect the livelihood of the 63,000 people who depend on a healthy Great Barrier Reef," said Queensland Greens Senate candidate Larissa Waters.

"I want to see Queensland being a leader in renewable energy which will strengthen our economy and leave a healthy environment for our grandchildren."

Media contact Peter Stahel 0459 133 597
www.greensmps.org.au