Australia: Environmentalists Take Government to Court Over GBR

Mackay Conservation Group will today commence court proceedings in Brisbane’s Federal Court challenging Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s decision to approve dredging and dumping within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The case will centre on the Federal Government’s decision to approve dredging and dumping for the proposed export coal terminal at Abbot Point, less than 50km from the Whitsunday Islands. In a novel test for Australia’s environment laws, Mackay Conservation Group will argue that the Minister has failed in his obligation to protect the World Heritage Area.

Ellen Roberts, Co-ordinator of the Mackay Conservation Group, said the dredging and dumping is a damaging practice that could ruin the Reef, and the Minister’s decision has to be challenged.

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Press Release, March 24, 2014