How to vote for the future of the Great Barrier Reef
ELECTION IMPACT
With Australians heading to the polls, the Great Barrier Reef is at a critical tipping point. We speak with Tanya Murphy from the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) about what’s needed from political leaders to save the Reef, and outline where the major parties stand.
In the north and far north, around 82% of corals are bleaching, following the worst bleaching event on record just last year.
Australia is now in the grip of its most widespread coral bleaching event ever recorded, with both of the nation’s World Heritage-listed reefs - Ningaloo Reef in WA and the Great Barrier Reef - bleaching simultaneously for the first time.
Tanya Murphy, Great Barrier Reef Community Campaigner at the AMCS, says the actions needed to save the Reef are the same ones that will protect communities from worsening climate disasters like floods, heatwaves, and bushfires.
“We need bold, science-backed action to cut climate pollution - fast,” Ms Murphy said.
“That means no new coal and gas projects, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and supporting regional communities through the transition.
“We also need stronger measures to reduce water pollution from land-based run-off, and ongoing support for Traditional Owner-led Reef management.”
However, she warns that recent scorecards from the Climate Council and Australian Conservation Foundation show that not all political parties have credible plans to reduce emissions or shift to renewables, posing a major threat to the Reef’s survival.
“Without ambitious action, mass bleaching events could become a yearly occurrence, and scientists say corals simply can’t survive that,” she said.
“The future of 64,000 reef-dependent jobs, our biodiversity, and one of Earth’s most iconic ecosystems is on the line.”
Running out of time
Ms Murphy encourages voters who care about the Reef to look for science-grounded policies focused on cutting climate pollution this decade, not promises pushed into the distant future.
“With coral bleaching now an annual event in some areas of the Reef, we’re out of time for delays,” she said.
“Renewable energy is now the cheapest, fastest option, and it’s creating jobs in regional communities.
“What we need is the political will to roll it out quickly - not stall with slower, more expensive alternatives.
“It’s also worth remembering that in a marginal seat like Leichhardt, every vote counts - and your choice can truly shape the future of the Reef.”
Asked about her vision for the Reef in 10 years, Ms Murphy paints a hopeful picture:
“I want to see a Reef that's bouncing back; not just surviving, but thriving. Coral cover improving, fish populations growing, and First Nations communities leading Sea Country management.
“I want kids to still have the chance to fall in love with the Reef like I did, and for us to be able to say we made the right choices when it mattered.”
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