Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, supports a wide variety of sea life, including dolphins, whales, turtles and over 1,500 fish species. The reef draws tourists from all over the world, generating billions of dollars for Queensland's economy. Tragically, the reef has lost over half its coral cover between 1985 and 2012, and recent developments along the Queensland coast will cause further harm.
The Queensland government is planning to dredge three million cubic meters of sand to expand Abbott Point, a coal export terminal. If these destructive developments continue, the Great Barrier Reef will be listed as an "in danger" World Heritage site when the World Heritage Committee meets in June 2014.
Please sign the petition to urge government officials to restrict these developments and focus their efforts on protecting the reef!
We, the undersigned, are concerned about Queensland's plans to dredge three million cubic meters of sand to expand Abbott Point. If these developments continue, the Great Barrier Reef will be listed as an "in danger" World Heritage site when the World Heritage Committee meets in June 2014.
As you know, the reef has lost over half its coral cover between 1985 and 2012, and recent developments along the Queensland coast will cause further harm. The reef is a popular draw for tourists, who generate billions for the Queensland economy every year. In addition to its negative ecological effects, we believe that the expansion of Abbott Point will ultimately harm, rather than help your economy.
We respectfully urge you to restrict these developments and focus your efforts on protecting the reef. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
