Ridd speaking tour backed
NORTH Queensland politicians have thrown their support behind controversial academic and marine physicist Dr Peter Ridd’s speaking tour through the region.
Dr Ridd presented his lecture “How reliable is the science demonstrating damage to the Great Barrier Reef?” in Ingham last night before heading to Innisfail and Cairns.
The tour, backed by Canegrowers Queensland, claims “at least some of the science” into the Reef was questionable and that it should be reviewed before any further laws that impact farmers are legislated.
Burdekin MP Dale Last and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto have thrown their support behind Dr Ridd.
“What Peter Ridd is proposing is that the science be checked; nothing more and nothing less,” Mr Last said.
“Throughout history science has been challenged and it’s resulted in amazing discoveries. Remember, science said the Earth was flat. I think you would find that there are quite a few scientists who would embrace having their research viewed.”
It comes as Canegrowers Queensland and environmental group World Wildlife Foundation locked horns over the State Government’s controversial Great Barrier Reef protection laws.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said science was coming under attack for political purposes.
“The Great Barrier Reef contributes $6 billion to the economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs,” she said.
“People may want to play farmers off against industries that rely on a healthy reef, but we are pursuing a solution which will work for both. Best management practices for farmers will result in a far healthier reef.” independently re