AMCS Reef election commitments report card shows big differences on Reef protection policies of LNP compared with ALP and the Greens.
LNP need to commit to a clear plan to phase out coal fired power generation to meet legislated climate targets
Any change to commitments on climate change, pollution or gillnets, increase risk that Reef will be recommended to go on the World Heritage 'In Danger' list in 2025
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has assessed the policy pledges, announcements and responses of Queensland Labor, the Liberal National Party (LNP) and the Greens on crucial issues for the future of our Great Barrier Reef. The scorecard rates policy commitments of these parties to tackling the key threats of climate change, water pollution and unsustainable fisheries.
AMCS found that there are some stark differences between the ALP and LNP in regards to climate change, the greatest threat to the Reef. Whilst the LNP has supported the state's legislated target to cut climate emissions, their leader David Crisafulli, has made statements on repealing the renewable energy target and "indefinite" support for coal fired power stations, making it is unclear where the LNP stand on cutting climate pollution in the State. There is still plenty of room for improvement from both parties in tackling local threats, such as deforestation and water pollution. It is unclear where the LNP stand in response to phasing out gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef, despite this being a major commitment to keep the Reef off the World Heritage In Danger list.
Queensland Labor have rated well on climate action for the Reef, based on strong legislated Renewable Energy Targets and an Emissions Reduction Target of 75% by 2035, one of the highest in the country. Their Queensland Jobs and Energy Plan outlines a clear plan of how to transition Queensland's energy from coal fired power to renewables by 2035.
The Greens' Reef policy platform was strong across the board and met all the key areas of concern.
AMCS Great Barrier Reef Campaign Manager Dr Lissa Schindler said: "Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, and the next Queensland Government must commit to strong action on climate to protect the Reef. Just this year the Reef has suffered the most extensive mass coral bleaching event due to marine heatwaves and two cyclones – which will become more frequent and intense as climate change worsens."
"The Bureau of Meteorology has warned we are in for a hot summer, with high ocean temperatures predicted to drive the most active cyclone seasons in years. Whoever wins this election must have a strong plan to address climate change. Based on our analysis of party policies, right now it isn't clear what the LNP's plan is."
"This is the critical decade for the future of the Great Barrier Reef. The Queensland Government elected in this year's state election will govern until 2028 – a crucial period that science says could make or break the Reef. The LNP have stated that they will repeal Queensland's renewable energy targets and have failed to rule out the phase out of coal fired power, which places the Reef, and the communities that depend on it, in jeopardy.
With the World Heritage Committee meeting again next year to discuss the health and management of the Great Barrier Reef, the next Queensland Government will need to show progress on commitments to protect the Reef, across climate, deforestation and water pollution and in progressing existing commitments. Backing away from any prior commitments to protect the Reef could risk another "In Danger" recommendation.
"The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland's most important natural asset, the backbone of the many coastal communities, powering a $6 billion tourism industry and supporting 64,000 jobs. All major parties need a clear plan for its future, and our scorecard shows this is still not the case.
Summary of scorecard LNP vs ALP
LNP lags on climate action: The LNP's mixed messages on cutting emissions and failure to back the renewable energy targets, while simultaneously not commiting to phase out coal fired power stations undermines its ability to protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change impacts.
Tree clearing and water pollution remain key challenges: While the ALP rated higher than the LNP on commitments to tackle water pollution and deforestation in Reef catchments, more needs to be done by both parties to address these critical issues.
ALP clear on gillnet fishing bans, LNP unclear where they stand: The ALP has clearly committed to phase out destructive gillnets, which was key to keep preventing the Reef World Heritage 'In Danger' listing last year.
View the Queensland scorecard and full assessment information here.
