In the lead-up to the Queensland state election we focus on key issues the LGAQ are campaigning for on behalf of its members. This week the spotlight is on the need to better protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is not being treated as an economic asset, with funding to protect and improve the catchment still falling short, according to Queensland local governments.
Queensland councils are calling on the State Government to commit $5 million for local government major integrated projects to improve the Reef catchment’s health and urban water quality.
Whitsunday Mayor Cr Andrew Willcox said the Reef was not getting the funding it deserved.
“It’s a $56 billion asset that’s out there. Say that $56 billion was a building, what would be the depreciation, what money would you invest to keep that asset in the pristine condition that you’d like it to be,” Mayor Willcox said.
“In the Whitsundays we have the biggest visitation of anywhere, we’ve got over a million now – it’s huge for us.
“I don’t think the Great Barrier Reef is getting the funding it deserves.”
The LGAQ’s 10-point State Election Plan argues that as custodians of significant natural assets, local government in Queensland is a leading player in environmental protection.
In 2015-16, councils invested more than $260 million in natural resources management and more than $228 million in activities that directly benefited the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, making the local government sector the single largest investor in those areas in Queensland.