Reef is in recovery mode

MAY 12, 2015: THE health of the Great Barrier Reef is improving, and actions by the Liberal National Government should be given some of the credit.A report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) which is yet to be released showed that the reef was healthier in 2013-14 than in the previous year.This report card shows the Reef is recovering and getting healthier, and this shows that the Abbott government’s intervention measures are working.Scientists preparing the AIMS report stated there had been an upswing in 2012-2103 and more recovery in 2013-2014.Both corals and sea grass were showing improvement.This proves my point; we can have jobs and a healthy reef.This is what I’ve said all along.Now I expect we will hear some praise for our actions from the extreme green movement.Though the scientists say its “tricky” to determine whether the improvement in water quality is due to weather factors or better land management practices, let’s give credit where credit is due.This government has invested heavily in measures to improve water quality through the Reef Trust and the research shows that we are now seeing that improvement.Those farmers and graziers who are doing the right thing to improve grazing management practices and nutrient runoff should also be congratulated.