Reef Bill a bit too draconian

THE Great Barrier Reef is our headline act, an environmental wonder known the world over.

Tens of thousands of people travel from every part of the globe to see and experience the Reef every year.

But, as we know, it is under extreme pressure from changes in the weather, coral bleaching, crown of starfish outbreaks, sediment runoff and other threats.

There are sections that are not in good condition but most of the huge ecosystem is still a delight to behold.

Much is being done to protect the Reef and the Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill has been introduced to State Parliament to strengthen existing measures and to set “minimum practice agricultural standards” for sugarcane, grazing, banana, grains and horticultural production in the Far North.

A healthy Reef is vital to the tourism industry in Cairns and the jobs of tens of thousands of people.

Reef operators have played their part in ensuring the ecosystem remains in good order and so have many farmers, particularly canegrowers.

But they say the legislation is too draconian, bureaucratic and hands over power to the Department of Environment and Science’s chief executive to change minimum cane farming standards in any way at any time with no regard for the impacts on growers or their communities.

Most growers have been adhering to a voluntarily scheme called Smartcane BMP since 2009.

The Bill has probably gone just a bit too far. Nick Dalton Deputy editor