Prof will take JCU to court

SACKED Professor Peter Ridd is taking his right to question “bad science” about the Great Barrier Reef to the Federal Court.

Professor Ridd, a climate change sceptic, claims he was sacked by James Cook University to “shut him up” over his concerns about academic freedom and scientific integrity of studies done on the Reef.

The Townsville- based geophysicist said North Queensland’s four pillars of the economy – coal mining, sugar cane, beef cattle and tourism – were in jeopardy because of “scientific studies that cannot be trusted”.

In three months, more than 2000 supporters have donated $ 230,000 to a GoFund Me page to help his legal battle.

“It’s true, I’m not convinced humans are causing climate change,’’ Professor Ridd said.

“I also believe there are some huge question marks about Great Barrier Reef science, and a lot of it would fall over if it was properly peer reviewed.”

He said he felt he was sacked to “silence the truth” when his findings show coral growth rates have, if anything increased, that coral cover has not halved since the 1960s, and sediment and nutrient pollution is insignificant.

But JCU has hit back saying his position was terminated on May 2 because he had repeatedly broken the University Code of Conduct.

“He has sensationalised his comments to attract attention, has criticised and denigrated published work, and has demonstrated a lack of respect for his colleagues and institutions in doing so,’’ JCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Iain Gordon said. JCU planned to vigorously defend any legal action, he said