Port Plans Cast Shadow On Iconic Reef

摘要

The ecologically embattled Great Barrier Reef (GBR) may soon be host to one of the world's largest coal ports-if a proposed construction project gets the go-ahead from Australia's Marine Park Authority. Port construction would involve dredging at Abbot Point and dumping up to 3 million cubic meters of dredge spoils at an unspecified location within the GBR ecosystem, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approved the project on 10 December, but because it falls within the marine park boundary, a park authority permit is required.