Calls to better use Reef funding

A CAIRNS conservation leader has called the $444 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation “an absolute shocker” after an inquiry recommended the money be returned immediately.

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef founder Andy Ridley said awarding the grant without tender “has caused chaos” to conservation organisations.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in conservation anywhere on the planet,” he said.

“The absolute urgency now is to make sure we don't waste those funds.”

Reef and Rainforest Research Centre managing director Sheriden Morris said it was vital that those funds were reinvested into regional conservation efforts for the Reef.

“The impact of extreme events are felt acutely here in the tropics and we are truly on the front line. We appreciate the efforts to date but know that much more could be done,” she told the Cairns Post.

“This funding is desperately needed given the anthropological threats to the Reef, including the impact of a changing climate ….”

A senate committee, chaired by Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, tabled the inquiry report into the grant yesterday.

Senator Whish-Wilson said the decision to award the grant without tender was “a desperate attempt” to cover up the government’s “disregard for climate change”.

The committee concluded that: “The granting of $444 million to the Reef Foundation was a highly irresponsible decision, hastily concocted by relevant ministers, without proper consideration of risks and potential effectiveness, no consultation with key stakeholders, and without having undertaken due diligence.”

The grant first sparked controversy when it was revealed it had been awarded without a tender process last year.