In April theAustralian Government pledgedAUS$500 million dollar mark ( US $ 380 million ) to save the Great Barrier Reef ( GBR ) . Even for such a huge curiosity of the world , that sound like a serious commitment to saving easily the with child Rand organization on the planet . Unfortunately , the allocation process raises doubts about how well the money will be spent .
It ’s hard to overstate the GBR ’s importance . Coral reefs contain32 percentof the world ’s lie with marine biodiversity . The GBR is not only much large than any other reef system , but go to a nation wealthy enough to be able-bodied to invest in preserving it , against the many threatsdevastating reefsworldwide . Few other reefs share this prerogative .
If the GBR ca n’t survive , it is hard to conceive of which reef will . On the other hired man , if the GBR is keep , it could become a seedbank from which many other coral reefs can be rejuvenate , making the proclamation global news show . Since then , however , detail have emerged that ramble the funding in a less glad light .
The other $ 444 million has been designated for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation , although apparently no agreement has been signed . The Foundation has an annual budget of $ 8 - 10 million and six full - time and five part - time staff , credibly not adequate to carry off so much money .
When West asked about its origins he was evidence it was founded by four businessmen who did not want to be named . The Foundation ’s “ Chairman ’s Panel ” lists a full range of companies , including many of the large defiler in Australia , and indeed the world – ie those who are have done the most to put reefs into crisis .
Some of these , such as Qantas , are believably genuinely implicated about saving the reef , for tourism if nothing else . Some leading research institutions are also included . Other company listed , however , admit those that have led the charge against activity on clime change , and indeed on other environmental issues , weaken attempts to save the Rand at every turn .
Still , arguably the Foundation ’s ideas to lay aside the GBR should be judged on their merits . Except , it ’s not open what those are . Under grilling at the Senate Estimates Committee , it emerged the money was grantedwithout a legal tender CPU any evidence the foundation would spend it sagely . Plans are reportedly wispy beyond control crown - of - thorns starfish and improving water character . The Queensland Government was not consulted before the determination was made .
The Foundation was reported in parliament as describing getting the money “ like winning lotto . ”
