Chemical regulations 'a turning point' for Barrier Reef

ABC News 25 Oct 08;

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says the Queensland Government's plan to introduce mandatory regulations on the use of chemicals in agriculture is a turning point for the Great Barrier Reef.

At the Reef Water Quality Summit in Brisbane yesterday, Premier Anna Bligh admitted a voluntary approach to saving the reef had failed.

WWF spokesperson Nick Heath says the Government's decision to get tough on chemical run-off could be the key to the reef's survival.

"I think if we can cut these pesticides, cut these fertilisers, save farmers money we'll save the reef," he said.

"It'll be more resilient before climate change comes through. But then I'm an optimist and I'll be working very hard with the farmers and with WWF and the scientists to try and make that happen."

Mr Heath says although the restrictions are a good start, the Government must follow it through with adequate funding.

"We still need the details to come out. We like what we're hearing but we want to see some money," he said.

"If these regulations are going to work, we need a very strong and long, significant financial commitment to implementing these regulations."