Media release
16 May 2013
Australia is acting on the international
stage to address ocean fertilisation, an
emerging technology that presents a significant
risk to the international marine environment.
Environment Minister
Tony Burke said Australia has formally submitted
a proposed amendment to the London Protocol
for discussion at its meeting in October.
"From creating
the world's largest network of marine reserves,
to preventing the super trawler from fishing
without the sufficient scientific checks
and putting Ningaloo Reef on the World Heritage
List, this Government has made it clear
that we will not take risks with our precious
oceans,'' Mr Burke said.
"The amendment
seeks to put mandatory regulation in place
around the practice of ocean fertilisation.
"It prohibits commercial
ocean fertilisation activities, while allowing
for legitimate scientific research to identify
potential benefits and ways to safely manage
the process."
The London Convention
and Protocol provide the global rules and
standards on protecting the marine environment
from pollution caused by dumping wastes
at sea.
The potential impacts
of ocean fertilisation could be severe and
may include ocean acidification, harmful
algal blooms, oxygen depletion in deep waters,
or other unwanted ecosystem changes and
human health consequences.
"Australia is leading
the world in advocating for more research
on ocean fertilisation. This is an important
opportunity to protect the international
marine environment,'' Mr Burke said.
"Australia has
worked with Nigeria, the Republic of Korea,
and a number of other countries to develop
the draft text of the amendment.
"The London Protocol
and Convention has been concerned about
this issue for some time and in 2008 adopted
a voluntary resolution prohibiting ocean
fertilisation activities other than legitimate
scientific research.
"Adoption of Australia's
proposed amendment would mean that the 42
parties to the London Protocol would take
a precautionary approach while more research
is undertaken.
"This is in line
with the Australian Government's approach
of using the best available science to protect
our precious marine resources."
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Government welcomes
first Sustainable Australia Report
Media release
9 May 2013
Tony Burke, Minister for the Environment,
today welcomed the first Sustainable Australia
Report as a major contribution to the government’s
efforts to achieve a sustainable Australia.
Mr Burke thanked the
National Sustainability Council for its
work in producing a comprehensive report
that addresses issues of importance for
all Australians.
“The Sustainable Australia
Report is the first of its kind in Australia
and provides the evidence base we need to
focus on the wellbeing of our children and
of future generations,” Mr Burke said.
“Sustainability is about
more than just the economy. It is about
the sort of society we want to live in and
hand on, it is about our health, our education,
our happiness and the environment we live
in.
“This and the council’s
subsequent reports will better inform policy
makers, businesses and individual Australians
about how we can together move towards a
more sustainable future.
“I encourage Australians
to join in the conversation begun by this
report about how we achieve a sustainable
Australia.”
The establishment of
a National Sustainability Council and the
sustainability indicators was an important
step in the government’s efforts to achieve
a sustainable Australia and the publication
of council’s inaugural report is the next
step in this process.
“If we are to adapt
to change and build sustainable communities,
we need to integrate environmental, social
and economic factors to provide current
and future generations with the opportunity
to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” Mr
Burke said
"The council’s
work on sustainability provides crucial
information and analysis about how our economy,
environment and society are faring and how
they interact. It will be a valuable resource
for better planning and decision making.”
The National Sustainability
Council was established by the Australian
Government in October 2012 to provide independent
advice on sustainability issues to the government.
The council’s remit includes reporting against
the sustainability indicators every two
years and highlighting key trends and emerging
issues for policy and decision makers and
communities in Australia.
