Press Statement No. 504
23 May 1975,
GREAT BARRIER REEF PETROLEUM DRILLING
ROYAL COMMISSIONS
The Prime Minister, Mr. E. G. Whitlan, Q. C.,
announced today that the Australian Government had taken
decisions on the recommendations of the Report of the
Great Barrier Reef Petroleum Drilling Royal Commissions.
The Government agreed with the stand of the
Chairman of the Commissions on the principal -term
of reference ( No 3) that no drilling should be
permitted in the area of the Reef until such time as
reliable scientific information is available on the
effects of oil on the Reef and its organisms.
Mr Whitlam said that he would be writing to the
Premier of Queensland immediately, seeking the
support of the Queensland Government in this decision.
The Commissions were appointed on 5 May 1970
and their Report was presented to the two'Governments
on 1 November 1974.
The remaining terms of reference were
largely subsidiary to No 3 and dealt with the risk of
leaks during drilling: the probable effects of leaks;
probable benefits of drilling; and appropriate
safety precautions.
CANBERRA, A. C. T.
Whitlam, Gough
Period of Service: 05/12/1972 - 11/11/1975
Find more information on Whitlam, Gough on the:
Release Date:
23/05/1975
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
3749
Document:
00003749.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Whitlam, Edward Gough
GREAT BARRIER REEF PETROLEUM DRILLING - ROYAL COMMISSIONS
3749