Previous plans to dump 3 million cubic metres of dredged material onto the ocean floor of the Great Barrier Reef have been reevaluated by the Coalition MP George Christensen, who admits he was wrong. North Queensland Bulk Ports, GVK Hancock and Adani Group will re-submit a proposal to Environment Minister Greg Hunt for alternative dumping sites on land. Christensen states "If there is a land-based option that emerges, I want to see it, Greg Hunt wants to see it, we all want to see it." This is a victory for all campaigns against the previous plan that would destroy our World Heritage Site. The exact details of the resubmission are not yet known, but it definitely involves land-based dumping locations. This could delay construction, which is good news for the reef. "Onshore disposal of the Abbot Point dredge sludge would be a better outcome environmentally and for the tourism industry than dumping in the reef's World Heritage waters," Greens spokeswoman for the environment Larissa Waters told the Australian Financial Review . But she goes on to state "However, the environmental problems of increased shipping through the reef and the export of millions of tonnes of coal to exacerbate climate change would remain." So, Christensen's change of heart and the new plans are a victory indeed! However, it is important to remember that the danger to the Great Barrier Reef is not eradicated, nor is the immense impact this dredging will have on climate change aggravation. For more quotes check out the Financial Review's Consortium scraps plans to dump waste in Great Barrier Reef Here are some blogs with more information about the Great Barrier Reef: 10 things you need to know about the great barrier reef right now how coral reefs can help us endure climate change
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