The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell, today announced the details of a Productivity Commission research study which will examine the importance of different industries in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment and the costs and benefits of on-ground actions to address the declining quality of water entering the GBR lagoon.
The Commission will report on the economic and social importance of the main industries in the GBR lagoon now and in the future, the impact that industry management practices have on water quality entering the lagoon, and assess the policy options available to the Government.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park contains the largest system of coral reefs in the world and is one of Australia's most popular tourist and fishing attractions. "The ecosystem of the reef has a complex inter-dependent relationship with the adjacent river catchments. These catchments have undergone extensive land modification since European settlement, with a focus on developing land and infrastructure for urban centres, agricultural production, tourism and mining."
"This development has generated significant levels of employment and contributed to the Nation's economic wealth. However, it has also led to increases in pollutant loads in the rivers, which are likely to impact negatively on the inner reefs and associated ecosystems. The maintenance of these systems is highly significant for the tourism industry, the fishing industry and in preserving the World Heritage values of the GBR. This study demonstrates the Commonwealth's commitment to protecting this valuable resource." Senator Campbell said.
The Commission will release a draft report for public consideration in November this year and a final report within the following three months.
A copy of the terms of reference and further information about the study can be obtained from the Productivity Commission's website at www.pc.gov.au.
CANBERRA
13 August 2002
Contact: Colin Edwardes, Senator Campbell's Office
08 93254227