Explosion of stories, implosion of tourists at reef: overseas surveys

An explosion of international stories reporting on the parlous state of the is likely to see fewer people visit Australia, according to the first-ever overseas survey of tourist attitudes.

And this will have implications for jobs and the economy.

The outcome will increase the pressure within Australia to place a moratorium on all new coal mines, based on the direct environmental damage caused by the mines through run-off into coastal waters, and on the fact that the coal itself adds significantly to carbon dioxide emissions.

Three surveys conducted in Britain, China, and the United States, have shown citizens in those countries - when the situation is raised with them - say that are concerned that the world-renowned reef is under severe threat. And many would reconsider visiting as a result.

Read Mark Kenny’s story in today’s Melbourne Age -“Federal election 2016: Reef bleaching serious threat to tourism, jobs: OS poll.”