The Greens will introduce new laws at a federal and state level to secure World Heritage Protection status for the Great Australian Bight, safeguarding the unique marine environment from pollution forever. The Greens say the Great Australian Bight is a South Australian icon, home to a vast array of unique marine life, including treasured whale species and sea lions.
The new Federal Bill would ensure no future oil and gas can be drilled in the Bight, while the State Bill would heritage list the head of the Bight and protect the whale nursery. The new push for World Heritage Protection comes in the final week of the Black by-election in South Australia.
South Australian Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the Environment:
"We love our South Australian beaches and coastline and we want to keep them clean and pristine. World Heritage protection is a chance to protect and celebrate just how beautiful our Bight and coastline is.
"The Great Australian Bight is a precious part of South Australia and it should be protected from oil drilling and pollution forever.
"The Great Australian Bight is a South Australian icon. It has global significance because of the vast array of unique marine life, including treasured whale species and sea lions that live there. 85% of the species that live in the Bight are found nowhere else on Earth.
"Both the Federal and State Governments have been too slow in protecting the area. I will introduce new laws to the Federal Parliament to fast-track protection for the Great Australian Bight with World Heritage status.
"By voting Green in the Black by-election, locals can send a strong message of support for the environment and our beautiful beaches in South Australia.
"World Heritage Protection for the Bight would be a global boost for tourism in our state. It would be a win for the environment, the community and the economy."
Robert Simms MLC, SA Greens Co-leader:
"South Australia's Head of the Bight is one of our state's most iconic assets and that's why I am getting a Bill drafted to protect this special area and the Southern Right Whale Sanctuary through State Heritage Listing.
"State Heritage listing will strengthen the case for the bid for World Heritage listing of the Great Australian Bight.
"I hope that other parties in the Parliament will back the Greens' push. The upcoming by-election provides an opportunity for voters to show they want more action on the environment."
Sarah Luscombe, Greens candidate for Black by-election:
"As a City of Marion councillor in the Coastal Ward for the past 2 years and living in our area for 15 years, I am a genuine local. I'm a delegate to the Adelaide Coastal Councils Network and I know how important our coast is to my community.
"We have a very special and unique coastline in Black, and our beautiful beaches and precious coastal environment deserve protection. If elected, I'll fight for this in the State Parliament as the new Greens MP for Black.
"I love representing my community and am proud of my track record on council, as a clinical psychologist, environmentalist and a mum. I understand this community and the issues which are important to people that live here.
"This by-election is an opportunity to vote for change. The major parties have taken us for granted for too long."
