LNP RECORD SHOWS THEIR MOCK OUTRAGE ON TURTLES AND DUGONG

Media Release

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability

The Honourable Kate Jones

13/04/2010

LNP RECORD SHOWS THEIR MOCK OUTRAGE ON TURTLES AND DUGONG

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones today slammed the LNP for their mock outrage over alleged illegal hunting of turtles and dugong in Queensland given their own record.

Ms Jones said the best way to protect turtle and dugong populations was to safeguard their habitat and the Bligh Government had introduced tough new laws to do just that.

"The LNP voted against the Great Barrier Reef Protection Bill and have repeatedly called on me to wind back the new protection measures in Moreton Bay," Ms Jones said.

"The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than one million green turtles and thousands of dugong while Moreton Bay is home to more than 10,000 turtles and 800 dugong.

"The LNP wants to destroy their habitat while we protect it.

"If the LNP had their way we would see turtle and dugong populations plummet instead of increasing like we are seeing now."

Ms Jones said it was federal government legislation that allowed the take of turtle and dugong by native title holders in native title areas.

"However, any reported illegal hunting activities reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service were investigated and where appropriate referred to the Federal Government for action," she said.

"The Nature Conservation Act 1992 makes it illegal for people who don't have native title rights to kill turtle and dugong and fines of up to $22,500 apply.

"We are currently investigating 12 incidents.

"In addition, I have viewed footage referred to today on YouTube.

"I was distressed to see this footage and have directed the department to immediately investigate this matter."

"I want anyone who has any evidence of illegal taking of dugong or turtle to immediately report it to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on

4726 0588 or Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

1300 130 372."

Ms Jones said she welcomed the recent announcement by the Federal Government to appoint a new specialist officer to act as an indigenous liaison in Far North Queensland to stamp out illegal take.