FOR MEDIA I21 OCTOBER 1979
ELECTORATE TALK
The Great Barrier Reef is a unique and irreplaceable part
of Australia's heritage. It is, in fact, one of the great
natural wonders of the world.
00C I am pleased to be able to announce tonight that the
Governor-General has approved the proclamation of the
Capricornia section of the reef as the first stage of the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The Capricornia section was chosen for the initial stage of
the marine park because its reefs, shoals and waters form a
distinct geographical unit. There are several habitable
coral cays islands composed of coral sand and rubble
often densely vegetated. These provide unrivalled
opportunities for enjoyment for all Australians, and for
the thousands of tourists they attract from overseas.
Parts of this coral reef ecosystem are breeding areas vital
to the continued survival of several species of fish, turtles
and birds. The Capricornia section is also the Post accessible
part of the reef. Tourist traffic from southern capitals and
overseas, as well as from the nearby cities of Bundaberg,
Maryborough, Gladstone and Rockhampton is becoming increasingly
S heavy.
The increasing use of and interest in the reef coul pose
problems. While we welcome its importance as a recreational
and educational facility for so many people the upsurge in
interest could result in over-use.
The threat to the reef comes not only from tourists, but from
commercial interest in its vast resources. You will recall
that in June this year I announced the Government's decisions
on the question of future petroleum exploration in the area
of the reef. ' In accordance with the recommendations of the
Chairman of the Royal Commissions, we decided that no further
petroleum exploration should occur, and that existing exploration
permits would not be renewed until the results of both the short
and longer term scientific research, recommended by the Royal
Commissions, were available.
I am also able to announce tonight that the Government has
asked a panel from the Australian Marine Sciences and Technologies
Advisory Committee to advise on the necessary research programs
and projects to increase our knowledge of the reef.
The panel, chaired by Professor Arthur Birch, an eminent
scientist at the Australian National University, will also
oversight research on the need for further protection of the
reef. The task of Professor Birch and his panel will be to
make sure that we get value for money in this research
program, to monitor its progress and to report to the
Government as results become available.
We allocated $ 300,000 for the research in the Budget.
Researchers presently engaged in this work include the
CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the
James Cook University and various other agencies. We would
expect them all to actively compete for the funds available.
I would like to pay tribute here to the co-operation of the
Premier of Queensland, Mr Bjelke-Petersen, in the establishment
of the marine park. In June, the Premier and I confirmed that
it was the policy of our respective governments to prohibit
any drilling on the Great Barrier Reef or any drilling which
could damage the reef. The Commonwealth and Queensland have
agreed to set up a ministerial council to give effect to our
joint policies to protect the reef and its associated
environment. The ministerial council had its inaugural meeting
in Brisbane earlier this month and decided that the
proclamation of thle Capricornia section of the marine park
should proceed as a matter of urgency.
The council also agreed that the day-to-day management of
the park should be undertaken by the appropriate Queensland
authorities, who, in discharging that responsibility, will
be subject to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,
which is a statutory authority established under Commonwealth
legislation. The Marine Park Authority will continue to be responsible for
recommending the Declaration of Marine Parks, developing zoning
and management plans for such parks and arranging for relevant
investigation and research.
Let me emphasise, the proclamation of the Capricornia section
of the reef is only the first step in achieving the best
possible marine park. Two vital steps which are now in progress
are the development of a zoning plan and a plan of management
for the park. The zoning plan will be prepared by the Barrier
Reef Marine Park Authority. It will seek to make sure that
any adverse effects by people visiting the park will be minimal.
The Authority wil. l ask the public for its views on how the
park should be zoned.
There will also be opportunity to comment on the draft zoning
plan, which will be made public before final decisions are taken.
Once the zoning arrangements are settled, the zones will require
management on a day-by-day basis. Officials are presently
discussing these matters so that the park will be set up as
intended. While the creation and su~ cessful functioning of the ministerial
council demonstrates the wisdom of involving the Queensland
Government in the actions leading up to the Declaration of / 3
3.
Marine Parks on the Barrier Reef I must emphasise that the
final responsibility lies with the Commonwealth and that
is as it should be.
The proclamation of this first part of the marine park is
further evidence of the Commonwealth's commitment to the
conservation of our environment. -Over the past four years
we have taken decisions that will guarantee that our
children and their children have the opportunity to enjoy
and experience the unique heritage of Australia. We took
action in 1976 to stop mining on Fraser Island, the world's
largest sand island, thereby helping to preserve a fragile
part of our nation. We established the Kakadu National Park
in the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory.
That park will protect and preserve the natural fauna,
flora, the Aboriginal sacred rites and cave paintings and
is likely to rank with famous national parks around the world.
We have banned whaling and the importation of whale products
after 1980. -We are studying the question of extending the
ban on the import of products from animals which are
endangered and we have assisted the World Wildlife Fund
to establish a branch in Australia.
Our commitment to conservation has been demonstrated, not
by empty rhetoric, but by determined and positive action.
This first proclamation. and our commitment to future
development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park underlines
our determination to secure the Australian environment
for all Australians, for all time.
I would hope that. Australians and many overseas tourists will
visit our newest marine park and enjoy an environment unmatched
in scale, diversity and beauty anywhere in the world.
C'C.
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