Newcastle Greens Candidate Councillor Michael Osborne has taken the following pledge to Fight for the Reef if elected to represent Newcastle in the next Federal Parliament:
Like all Australians, I regard the Great Barrier Reef as one of the world’s most precious natural wonders.The Australian Government has responsibility for the Reef’s long-term protection and I am concerned about the decline in its health.
If elected I will work to help avoid the Reef being placed on the ‘in danger’ list by the World Heritage Committee in 2014.
As my first action for the Reef, I pledge to support a ban on the dumping of dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.