NEW figures just released show that Queensland continues to lead the nation in deforestation, and clearing rates have started rising again.
The latest statewide landcover and trees study (SLATS) report released by the Queensland Government shows that 332,015 hectares have been cleared in the latest reporting period, a 3 per cent increase from the previous year’s figures.
That is an area more than 1,000 times the size of the Sydney CBD.
Once again, Queensland can claim the title of Deforestation Capital of Australia.
The clearing statistics include more than 140,000 hectares/year in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, including here in the Whitsundays.
These figures show that over 30,000 hectares of forest and woodland was bulldozed that is potentially illegal.
This clearing results in more sediment and nutrients flowing into the Great Barrier Reef, putting additional pressure on corals already impacted by climate change.
Climate change is the greatest threat to the health of the reef.
We also know that climate change requires an international response to reduce carbon emissions.
But deforestation in the reef catchment is a Queensland problem and can be entirely solved by Queensland.
Poor water quality reduces the resilience of the reef, making it more prone to the impacts of climate change, such as coral bleaching.
Improving the water quality will build reef resilience and may buy time for the reef while we work to reduce our carbon emissions.
Addressing deforestation will also help to mitigate climate change as forests absorb and store carbon.
Nature underpins our economy, our lifestyle and, importantly, our tourism and recreation opportunities.
This is particularly true here in the Whitsundays.
If the Queensland Government is serious about protecting the Great Barrier Reef, it must crack down on the level of clearing occurring in reef catchments.
Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.
PHOTO
Deforestation results in more sediment and nutrients flowing into the Great Barrier Reef, putting additional pressure on corals.
