WWF calls on Qld Government to close loopholes in wetland laws
Up to 90 per cent of wetlands along Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coast have been lost to development, posing a huge threat to the State’s multi-million dollar seafood and tourism industries, WWF warned ahead of World Wetlands Day tomorrow.
An estimated 7,000 hectares of wetlands are being destroyed each year under legal loopholes that allow development to continue despite protection of these vital assets being promised since 2003.
&qout;We hope World Wetlands Day provides an opportunity for the Queensland Government to finally announce promised new laws to protect Queensland’s remaining wetlands,&qout; WWF- Australia’s Freshwater Program Leader Nick Heath said.
Wetlands are nature’s richest refuge – home to many endangered species and habitats. Excessive destruction of wetlands for farming and coastal development in Queensland has pushed species like the Mahogany Glider close to extinction.
Wetlands are also hugely significant economic assets, providing nurseries to 75 per cent of Queensland’s seafood, including commercially valuable barramundi, mud crabs and prawns.
&qout;Without wetlands, our famous barramundi, mud crabs and prawn fisheries would not exist,&qout; Mr Heath said.
&qout;Wetlands are also the last line of defence for protecting the water quality of the reef,&qout; he said.
&qout;Legal loopholes have allowed this destruction to continue. The State needs new powers to veto the cutting, draining and filling of wetlands in the reef catchment and across the State.
&qout;While we are frustrated that new laws have not materialised, WWF remains confident the promises will be met, given great progress made by the State with recent laws to protect the Reef.&qout;
WWF is now calling on Kate Jones, Minister for Sustainability, to name the date on which she will finally hand down this much-needed legislation before it is too late.
More information
Nick Heath, WWF Water Program Leader, 0418 885 324
Charlie Stevens, WWF Queensland Media Manager, 0424 649 689