Entsch is hopeful on Reef voting

GREAT Barrier Reef special envoy Warren Entsch is confident of snatching the remaining vote needed to prevent the natural wonder getting an “in danger” listing on the eve of the World Heritage Council decision.

Australia needs just one more vote to stave off a controversial move by UNESCO and the WHC in what would be a “massive hit” to the Far North tourism industry.

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch hosted 15 international delegates last week at Agincourt Reef, nine of which have voting rights, and was confident of getting another tick which would green light the amendment.

Thirteen countries and Australia are needed to back the change with Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Hungary, Mali, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis and Uganda already supporting it.

“Every single one of the 15 delegates we took out to see it with their own eyes were supportive,” he said.

“I would hope that out of the nine we’ll get at least one more vote.”

Mr Entsch said an “in danger” listing would be a “kick in the guts” to all the financial and physical efforts being pumped into its conservation.

“It would be a serious disincentive for all the hard work that has been put in,” he said.

“It would suggest that all the tireless efforts by many stakeholders both on land and on the Reef will have come to nought.”

He also called for UNESCO to “put the desktop reviews to the side” and explore the Reef for themselves.

“We need them to form their opinion based on the expert opinion of the scientists and everyone over here, both on land and in the water,” he said.

The vote is scheduled for Friday night.