A report released today has warned that Kakadu - one of Australia's World Heritage Listed sites - is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The report projects that higher sea levels will increase saltwater intrusion in freshwater habitats, threatening the abundance of freshwater species in Kakadu.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard was joined today by former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet for the release of the report, Kakadu - Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts.
The report comes almost 20 years after the Hawke Government banned mining at Coronation Hill and laid the groundwork for its inclusion in the Kakadu National Park.
This report sounds yet another warning bell about the dangers of climate change.
Kakadu is one of Australia's most iconic places - its plant and animal habitats, rivers, wetlands and estuaries are unique.
The landscapes and native wildlife we know and love will inevitably change - our challenge is to minimise the dangers, the impacts and the risks.
The report shows why it is critically important to take action now to combat climate change with the same commitment that the Hawke Government showed in protecting Kakadu in 1991.
The report, prepared for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency,modeled the impacts of sea level rise on Kakadu's South Alligator River system for 2030 and 2070.
It found there would be a series of environmental, cultural and economic impacts which include:
* Higher sea levels and storm tide levels which will increase saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats
* A reduction in the extent of freshwater vegetation, monsoon rainforest and woodlands
* A decline in the abundance of key species such as freshwater crocodiles, magpie geese and pig-nosed turtles in freshwater habitats
* A decline in the abundance of mud crabs, yellow chats and threadfin salmon in estuarine habitats
* A reduction in species of cultural significance including bush tucker
* Less access to sites of cultural significance and increased damage to tourism sites.
The report is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge Australia faces to protect its magnificent natural assets.
The Hawke Labor Government made the right decision to protect Kakadu in 1991 when it stopped mining at Coronation Hill, despite strong lobbying by the mining industry and business groups.
Sections of the mining industry argued that the Government would “make or break the development of Australia's resources by its decision on Coronation Hill”.
It is clear, 20 years later, that the Hawke Labor Government acted in the best interests of the nation - protecting the environment without the impacts claimed by opponents at the time.
Now, in 2011, it is again a Labor Government that is making the right decision to reduce Australia's carbon pollution through the introduction of a carbon price.
The Government is already taking a number of actions to plan for and manage the impacts of climate change on Kakadu.
This report will provide a helpful tool for Government and stakeholders as we continue to improve our understanding and put in place measures to manage these threats.
The full report can be found at www.climatechange.gov.au