24/03/2006 - The Great Barrier
Reef remains well and truly open for business in
the wake of Cyclone Larry, the Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell declared
today.
Senator Campbell said only a very small area – around
1 per cent – was likely to have suffered any significant
damage from the cyclone. The vast majority of the
Reef was still in great shape.
"It's important to note that the Great Barrier
Reef stretches more than 2300km, but the area severely
affected is unlikely to be more than a band of about
20 to 30km wide," he said.
"This amounts to only 1 per cent of the entire
Reef, and history has shown us that the Reef will
very likely bounce back quickly from any damage.
"The Great Barrier Reef has demonstrated its
remarkable resilience following other tropical cyclones
in the past – largely because it is one of the world's
healthiest reef ecosystems.
"Some scientists are even saying that Cyclone
Larry may actually have had a positive impact on
the Great Barrier Reef, because the cyclone has
had the effect of cooling ocean temperatures so
that there is less likelihood of coral bleaching.
Massive amounts of water will have been turned over,
dissipating the upper warm layer which is between
10 and 20 metres thick.
"Cyclone Larry hasn't changed the fact that
the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most stunning
natural wonders and ecosystems on the planet."
Senator Campbell said the Australian Government
was playing its part to continue the Reef's health
and resilience, allowing it to better cope with
natural events like cyclones.
"Not only is the Reef Water Quality Protection
Plan helping to improve to protect the Reef's resilience,
but the Howard Government's historic protection
of one-third of the Reef through the Representative
Areas Programme means fish populations are re-building
and ecosystems improving in the area.
"The Howard Government's commitment to Reef
protection has been recognised by the environmental
group WWF, through the presentation of its prestigious
Gift to the Earth award last year.
"Australia is incredibly blessed to have this
amazing living icon, and with continued good management,
visitors from all around the country and the world
will be able to enjoy it for generations to come,"
Senator Campbell said.
Senator Campbell said scientists from the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority were organising
a survey of the reef area affected by Cyclone Larry.
