Newsroom

September 18, 2024

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and renowned marine scientist Dr. Peter Ridd have united in calling for immediate action on the unnecessary red tape surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. Dametto, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, and Dr. Ridd are urging the Queensland Government to conduct independent audits of reef science, which they argue has been flawed and exaggerated for years.

Dr. Ridd, a vocal critic of current reef regulations, said the current Reef Regulations were unnecessary red tape that only serve to damage the North Queensland economy.

“For some years, I have been calling for independent audits of reef science, which clearly has serious problems of reliability. The recent AIMS data found record amounts of coral, which demonstrates that the reef is actually in excellent shape—totally the opposite of what is usually claimed,” he said.

“Pesticides from farms are in such low concentrations on the reef that they cannot be detected even with the most sensitive scientific equipment. Naturally occurring nutrients and sediments in coastal waters are far in excess of what comes from farms. Farmers are not affecting the reef.

“I support any political candidate that would implement genuinely independent science integrity checks and welcome the Katter Party's support for this over a number of years. I hope that if the Katter Party gets the balance of power, they would be able to persuade the next government to undertake reef science integrity audits.”

Mr Dametto echoed Dr. Ridd’s concerns, and reaffirmed KAP’s long-standing position against the current Reef Regulations.

“The sugar cane industry is doing it tough. Farmers are constantly battling against factors beyond their control, like world sugar prices, industrial relations issues at the sugar mills, sugar mill performance, and the weather. The last thing they need is mythical, man-made problems dictating government policy on how they grow their cane. It makes an already difficult task near impossible,” he said.

“In 2019, the State Labor Government kicked off their war against farmers in the reef catchment areas across Queensland in a bid to wipe out farming along the Great Barrier Reef by a thousand cuts.

“During 2020, when Labor’s reef regulation legislation passed with the support of the Greens, they handed over the right to dictate the prescribed amount of nutrients and pesticides on North Queensland farms to an unelected bureaucrat—the chief executive officer—shielding the Minister from having to make these decisions. This let the fox into the henhouse, as we all know environmental activists have infiltrated the Department of Environment and Science.”

“At the start of this parliamentary term, on behalf of cane farmers, I introduced KAP’s Reef Regulation Repeal Bill to undo Labor’s damage to the industry. I was completely shocked that after previously voting against Labor’s legislation, the LNP sided with them to vote against our bill, and against Queensland farmers.

“I support Dr. Ridd’s calls for an independent auditor to check reef science and agree that the current reef regulations are unnecessary. In the coming term of parliament, I will reaffirm my commitment to the sugar industry by reintroducing KAP’s repeal legislation once again. By doing this, I give the LNP an opportunity to right the wrongs inflicted upon our Queensland agricultural industry.”

Photo: L to R: Margie Ryder (Townsville), Michael Pugh (Mundingburra), Dr Peter Ridd, Nick Dametto MP, R. Richardson (Thuringowa).