The economy trumps the environment, again

Our damning behaviour is ignored as we pay homage to the economy.

Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman,
who clearly puts the economy ahead of
the environment.

The Queensland and Federal Governments continue to support the exploitation of the northern State’s resources for the enrichment of our economy even thought that process threatens the unique Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman, has declared he will not stop development in and around the reef despite observations from the United Nations the continuing development in the area could threaten it stability.

In a story in the Sunday Age (June 3) headed: “Queensland puts coal before coral”, Newman said: “We are in the coal business. If you want decent hospitals, schools and police on the beat, we all need to understand that”.

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, reflected that position arguing there was nothing he could do to stop development already in progress.

Newman’s position reflects the ideology of his political beliefs and Burke is adhering to misguided beliefs.

Both misunderstand their responsibilities, forgetting that they were elected make decisions about the long-term welfare of the people of both the state and the nation.

Despite their adherence to failed ideas, they can, and should, act now to protect something that is geologically old (the Great Barrier Reef) and rather than exploit a finite resource for short-term gain, should be exploring and investing in ways and means of creating resilient communities that will survive the rigours of climate change.