Australian Marine Conservation Society would welcome additional support for reef tourism sector

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed statements from the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenburg indicating the tourism industry could be provided with further support in the wake of devastating Covid-19 restrictions.

Speaking about the $60 billion forecasting error in the JobKeeper scheme on the ABC this morning, Treasurer Frydenburg highlighted this sector was one in need of further support.

Restrictions imposed by the pandemic have devastated the tourism industry on the Reef coast, which is also reeling from the third global warming-driven mass bleaching event in five years on our Reef.

AMCS Reef campaigner Shani Tager advised “Tourism operators reveal the beauty of our iconic Great Barrier Reef to the world. They need more supportive policies from this government that help to sustain our Reef and their livelihoods long term.

“We hope the government follows through with this financial support for our tourism sector, which is the economic backbone of regional cities like Cairns. But we also need government policies that will ensure the long term health of our Reef.

“Only bold action on climate change will give our Reef the best chance for the future. We need our Governments to deliver Reef-safe climate policies that phase out polluting fossil fuels and invest in job-rich projects to hasten the transition to renewable energy.”