Fed: Hill says Beattie s record on reef is disgraceful

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-1999
Fed: Hill says Beattie s record on reef is disgraceful

CANBERRA, Dec 20 AAP - Queensland's takeover ambitions for the management of the Great
Barrier Reef far outweighed the state's financial commitment and poor track record, federal
Environment Minister Robert Hill said today.

Senator Hill's comments were in response to the Queensland government's call yesterday
for a revamp of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

State Premier Peter Beattie said an independent review of GBRMPA, commissioned by his
government, found Queensland invested more money than the Commonwealth in the reef, yet
had less say over its management.

The report, which has already been taken to state cabinet, will be released for public
comment in the new year.

Prepared by former New South Wales Department of Cabinet chief Gary Sturgess, it recommended
a standing committee oversee government policies affecting the Great Barrier Reef, headed
by an officer from the premier's department.

A scientific advisory committee should also be formed to report to GBRMPA, it said.

Mr Beattie said management of the reef had to become more of a partnership between
Queensland and the commonwealth.

Senator Hill said any suggestion that Mr Beattie should play a greater role in the
management of the reef was cause for concern.

"Premier Beattie's record on the Great Barrier Reef in recent times is nothing short
of disgraceful," Senator Hill said in a statement.

"He's refused to implement a management plan to ensure the future sustainability of
the region's trawl fishery and he's declined to support the extensions to the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park."

Senator Hill said Mr Beattie had failed to ensure proper assessment of aquaculture
proposals with the potential to damage world heritage values.

And he accused him of stalling the development of coastal management plans for sensitive
regions such as Cardwell/Hinchinbrook, causing uncertainty for the tourism industry.

"It's hard to believe Queensland wants to play a greater management role when Premier
Beattie can't properly manage the tasks he's responsible for," Senator Hill said.

He called on Mr Beattie to make public the report on the GBRMPA review.

"I've yet to see a copy of the report or it's recommendations, but you don't need to
be an expert to work out that Queensland's takeover ambitions easily exceeds its financial
commitment."

Senator Hill said the commonwealth contributed 74 per cent of GBRMPA's $21.2 million
budget this financial year, compared to Queensland's 15 per cent contribution.

AAP daw/bdm/de

KEYWORD: REEF HILL

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