Approval has been granted by the Australian and Queensland governments for 3 million cubic metres of dredged material to be dumped into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site. The Abbot Point coal port is to be expanded, which lies on the borders of the reef.
If alternate improvement methods are not deliberated, the World Heritage Centre has warned that the reef could be added to the danger list. The danger list is used to shame countries into looking after the environment for the good of humankind.
It has been said that the damage done by the dumping could be irreparable. However the Queensland environment minister, Andrew Powell, feels this should not have a negative effect on the environment. He commented: "The approval was given on the basis that 150% offsetting can be achieved. So the project cannot proceed unless they can demonstrate that they achieve that 150% offset."
UNESCO World Heritage Centre have noted the developments “with concern”.
UPDATE: The proposed $10bn (AUS) expansion project on the Abbot Point coal port has been shelved by the sponsors, who have cited a lack of demand for the extra capacity. This is a positive decision for opposition of the project, which would see a site 25km from the Great Barrier Reef used as a dredging and dumping ground.
