Press release – 11 June, 2015Sydney, June 12th 2015: Grammy-winning musician Gotye has donated his talent to a stunning new video, launched by Greenpeace Australia Pacific, as part of the global campaign to save the Great Barrier Reef.The video, featuring Gotye’s hit song “Heart’s A Mess”, urges viewers to “Take Another Look” at the Reef.
It contrasts the Reef’s natural beauty with the damage already done and the potential for even more if reckless industrial development, mega mine and coal port expansion continue to be advocated by the Australian government.
“The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living thing and Australia is supposed to be its guardian. The vast majority of Australians want the Reef protected, not more coal expansion,” said Jess Panegyres from Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “Tony Abbott’s government is more interested in propping up a dying coal industry than keeping alive the Great Barrier Reef, and the vital, sustainable tourism industry that depends on it.”
The video launch comes two weeks after UNESCO’s draft report on the health of the Reef warned it is in a poor condition and demanded the Australian government report back in 18 months on implementing real protection for the Reef.
“As a diver I have seen the Reef changing and we must listen to the warnings from UNESCO and environmental groups like Greenpeace,” said Paddy Colwell, marine biologist and founder of Reef Teach – a Cairns-based education centre, dedicated to showing the wonders of Great Barrier Reef. “A healthy Reef is vital for the tourism industry and the government has admitted that without pressure from environmentalists, they wouldn’t have done anything to stop the on-going destruction.” Colwell added.
UNESCO is due to produce its final report in Bonn in two weeks time.
“The Abbott government is still pushing its Reef 2050 plan on UNESCO, but the plan allows for coal port expansion, which is completely contrary to the advice from UNESCO to not approve any projects that impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Reef,” said Panegyres.
Greenpeace is calling on Tony Abbott to remove port expansion loopholes from the Reef 2050 plan; cancel the Carmichael mega-mine and the Abbot Point coal port expansion and instead invest in a sustainable energy industry that will provide secure jobs and a sustainable future for Queensland workers, support the goals of the tourism sector and help save the Reef.
In addition Greenpeace is calling on financial institutions who are considering investing in the Carmichael mega-mine and Abbot Point coal port expansion to recognise that they will be investing in the destruction of a World Heritage Area as well as threatening the 70,000 jobs in tourism that rely on a healthy Reef and should cancel any further financial involvement in the projects.
Contacts:
Sara Holden, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Media:
+61 417 329 504
Jess Panegyres, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Political Advisor