GBRMPA Faces Crisis of Confidence from Australian Public

The Australian Marine Conservation Society has noted the findings of Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s probity inquiry into the potential conflicts of interest of two members of the board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

Felicity Wishart, the Great Barrier Reef campaign director for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said the Marine Park Authority still faced a crisis of confidence from the Australian public.

“After approving the dumping of millions of tonnes of dredged material in the Reef’s waters, the confidence which Australians and the international community puts in GBRMPA has been badly shaken,” said Ms Wishart.

“The outcome of the inquiry won’t fix that crisis of confidence.

“Thousands of people from Australia and around the world contacted GBRMPA in the lead up to the Abbot Point dumping permit decision, calling on them not to dump three million cubic metres of dredge spoil in the Marine Park. Sadly their voices went unheeded.

“It’s the role of GBRMPA to protect, conserve and manage the Reef, an international icon which supports a $6 billion tourism industry, for all time.

“All those who sit on the board of this important organisation should be focused on the one job of protecting the Reef.

“The Reef should come first. The community needs to know that this is the absolute priority for those who are charged with looking after it.”

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Press Release, February 25, 2014