Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on a matter of vital importance not only to Central Queensland but to the whole of Australia. A major public health scare has emerged in Gladstone. The state government has closed up to 500 square kilometres of Central Queensland coastline to fishing. To date two fishermen have been hospitalised and numerous deaths of turtles have been recorded along with barramundi and other marine life. Crabbers have been getting sores on their arms just from pulling their pots out of the water.

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Director-General Ian Fletcher has said that Gladstone Harbour would be closed to fishing to protect public health while the situation is assessed. Urgent meetings are being held today by the Director-General, the mayor, state member Liz Cunningham, me and other stakeholders.

I am calling on the federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke, to immediately start an independent inquiry to coordinate activities in Gladstone Harbour. The people of Gladstone are demanding a quick, independent inquiry. Whilst not confirmed, our marine deaths could be a case of red spot disease caused by acid water. If this is correct, a new approach to disturbing the Harbour floor must be found. Acid sulphite sediment must not be disturbed. Whatever the problem, it needs a complete, independent, thorough and honest investigation. The federal government must step in today and announce a federal investigation into activities in Gladstone Harbour. (Time expired)