Thank you everyone who signed the petition to protect Mudjimba Island Coral Reef. We had over 1,000 people sign the petition calling for the installation of moorings to stop anchor damage while still allowing safe access. Last week I tabled the petition in Parliament.
The Minister had committed to a feasibility report to investigate this request following a deputation I took to Parliament with local stakeholders. Last week the Minister responded to advise that instead of moorings there will be reef protection markers installed this winter to show people where to anchor without damage.
The Minister also advised that research used in the feasibility report indicated no evidence of damage to the reef from anchors. Local divers are telling me otherwise, so I think it’s important that we keep the dialogue open with the Minister and ensure that the report is also open for scrutiny to ensure the best options are put in place to protect this precious resource and we get to the bottom of why this research differs from local divers’ feedback.
I will keep pursuing this issue and working with the community to ensure we get the right solution to protect the reef and ensure safe public access.
