Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying: some of the strictest conditions in Australian history have been placed on these projects to ensure that any impacts are avoided, mitigated or offset. That is because the coalition government is committed to the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef as one of Australia's greatest natural assets. Ninety-five conditions have been placed on the two projects. They reflect the commitment to deliver a net benefit to the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, which includes a requirement to improve the water quality of the reef through a long-term net reduction of fine sediments entering the marine park from land based sources well beyond the life of the project. I add that the conditions, as Senator Waters said, require offset contributions estimated at around $32 million towards recovery actions for marine species and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The decisions have been made in line with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's recommendations on port developments, in particular that no port developments or associated port infrastructure be permitted outside the existing and long-established major port areas within or adjoining the property. (Time expired)