General News
29 November, 2025
Protest about saving the Reef
PROMINENT Far North Queenslanders are urging action after a study revealed one million hectares of bush and forest have been bulldozed in Queensland since Anthony Albanese became Prime Minister in 2022, including 450,000 hectares in Reef catchments.
The federal government is reviewing the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, but critics say the reforms do not address exemptions for agricultural land clearing.
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed the exemption would remain in place.
Port Douglas tour operator Mark Fraenkel said hundreds of thousands of trees were cleared each year in Reef catchments, with sediment runoff threatening corals and seagrass.
“The federal government is in the middle of reviewing these laws, and this is the moment to shut the loopholes that keep large-scale clearing going in Reef catchments,” he said.
CAREFISH founder Paul Aubin said clearing harmed water quality and fish, affecting both recreation and local livelihoods.
“Fish numbers are falling as the Reef environment continues to be damaged by human impacts.
“I’ve spent the better part of my life fishing in the Far North. For me it’s never been only recreation – it’s part of life up here, a way to pass on knowledge, appreciate the elements, and, with a bit of luck, bring home a good feed at the end of the day. I want my kids to be able to cast a line into waters alive with fish.”
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