Great Barrier Reef - "in danger" listing?

Despite Tony Burkes assurances as the federal environment minister, that the Great Barrier Reef is safe from the marauding Queensland Premier Campbell Newman (who's only interest is being in the coal business), these promises aren't matched by his actions. In a press conference typical of political double speak and clichés, he's claimed that he's getting tough on Campbell Newman's berserk destruction of the reef for coal exports.

Greenpeace however doesn't agree:

UNESCO requested the report at a meeting in St Petersburg in June 2012. The most important part of their request to the Australian Government was “to not permit development that would impact on the outstanding universal value of the Reef.” 

In the time since he first became aware that the Reef faced a potential "in danger" listing, Minister Tony Burke has approved a raft of projects that could spell disaster for area. This includes three gas terminals, a destructive dredging program, and huge coal shipping terminal at Abbot Point -- all in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. 

He’s also allowed a further seven coal terminals to enter the planning system for assessment -- all since becoming aware that the Committee might place it on the “in danger” list. There’s no commitment that Tony Burke won’t approve more coal terminals or dredging that threatens dugongs, turtles, fish and other marine life. more

This is very serious. If UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) decides to change the listed status of the reef from a world heritage listing, to one listed as "in danger", it likely will have huge implications for the tourism associated with the reef. Newman may well get a few quick dollars in coal exports, but he seems to forget how much the tourist industry is worth up there. 

Update:

Looks like UNESCO hasn't changed it's mind. This is going to look really bad both for the federal Labor gov, and the conservative state Liberal/National parties.

The United Nations has put the Queensland and federal governments on notice that the Great Barrier Reef could be added to a list of endangered world heritage sites.

In a draft decision released Friday night, expected to be adopted when UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in Cambodia next month, it will be recommended the Great Barrier Reef be included in the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2014 ‘‘in the absence of a firm and demonstrable commitment’’ from the state and federal governments to take action.

That action included halting coastal development project that could impact the ‘‘outstanding universal value’’ of the site. Read more