The Great Barrier Reef gained historic protection in State Parliament tonight through amendments that will cut down on the amount of fertiliser, pesticide and sediment run-off entering reef waters.
But Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the debate saw the LNP exposed in an embarrassing division within the party before voting against protecting the Reef.
She said under the new legislation to take effect from 1 January 2010, farmers in key reef catchment areas must apply no more than the optimum amount of fertiliser to their soil, follow stricter controls on pesticides and control loss of sediment.
“This is a momentous day for the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Jones said.
“The Reef must be treasured and passed on to future generations in good condition.
“These laws will help detox the reef and build its resilience to the impacts of climate change.
“And it delivers on an important election commitment the Bligh Government made to Queenslanders this year.”
Ms Jones said the Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Bill 2009, which amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994, was passed despite the LNP voting against it.
“Two former Liberals Ros Bates and Tracy Davis – chose not to vote at all,” she said.
“We had former National after former National member stand up to attack and oppose the bill.
“It’s now very clear that there are deep divisions in the LNP over this legislation.
“You’ll regularly see LNP members trying to recast themselves as champions of the environment in their local electorates.
“But when it came to the true test of the LNP’s conviction, they decided not to support one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in recent memory – one that will give Queensland’s most treasured natural possession a fighting chance for survival.
“They’re nothing but environmental frauds.”
Under the new legislation and regulation to take effect from 1 January, 2010:
·An estimated 4,500 sugarcane farmers and graziers in Mackay-Whitsunday, the Burdekin Dry Tropics and the Far North’s Wet Tropics must apply no more than the optimum amount of fertiliser to their soil, must keep records of their use of chemicals and fertilisers and must control loss of soil from their properties;
·These farmers must follow a range of new controls and restrictions for the pesticides Atrazine, Diuron, Ametryn, Hexazinone and Tebuthiuron, such as avoiding their use along drainage lines, certification and training before use, and limiting the amount they use; and
·Farms in areas considered high risk to the Reef will be required to keep tailored Environmental Risk Management Plans showing how they are improving their practices to achieve a standard compatible with good Reef health. Plans will include how much pesticides and fertilisers will be used, and how ground cover will be managed.
Ms Jones said she made amendments to the original bill to help support the agricultural industry and transition farmers to legislative requirements after extensive consultation.
“I’ve spent some five months listening to the concerns of farmers and graziers and also chaired an industry taskforce. I’ve acted on concerns and issues raised and the legislation is much more practical and focussed as a result,” she said.
“For instance I listened to industry feedback about the limited environmental risk posed by a small number of dairy farmers and have moved amendments to exclude this sector.
“We have also agreed to delay the introduction of ‘no spray’ buffers for key pesticides for nine months while we work with industry to evaluate options. We’ve already provided an alternative risk-based option for farmers."
Ms Jones said scientific research supporting the Bill was compelling.
“The Reef’s survival relies on its ability to withstand the effects of climate change, such as the warming and acidification of the ocean and severe weather like cyclones and flooding,” she said.
“Cutting down on one major threat - the harmful run-off of pesticides and fertiliser - gives the Reef a better chance to fend off these other threats.
Ms Jones said the Reef was not just a natural icon, but an economic asset.
“It’s worth almost $6 billion to the economy and more than 63,000 people are employed in jobs dependent on the health of the reef such as tourism, recreation and commercial fishing,” she said.
“The State Government has committed an additional $50 million over five years to implement the new legislation which includes compliance, education and a monitoring and evaluation program.
“With existing programs, this represents total state funding of $175 million over five years to improve water quality in the Reef.
“The legislation complements the ten-year Reef Water Quality Protection Plan and the
$200 million Commonwealth Reef Rescue Plan.”
8 October, 2009
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