UNESCO has given Australia eight months to change its approach to coastal development at the Great Barrier Reef. In a report released early today, the UN body expresses "extreme concern" about the rapid increase of coastal developments, including ports infrastructure, in and around the Great Barrier Reef.


It says the area could be listed as a World Heritage Site in danger if "threatening" developments are allowed to proceed.


"Considering the high rate of approvals over the past 12 years, this unprecedented scale of development affecting or potentially affecting the property poses serious concerns over its long-term conservation," says the report.


UNESCO says the "in danger" status could be applied if the federal government does not give the world heritage committee evidence of substantial progress before February 1.


It says no developments with the potential to affect the reef should continue until an overall strategic assessment of the area is completed.


The report points to a "range of unaddressed concerns" surrounding the approval and ongoing management of major liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants at Curtis Island, off the central Queensland coast.


"It does not appear that offsets that were part of the conditions for consenting developments in Gladstone Harbour and on Curtis Island are appropriate ...".


The dredging in Gladstone Harbour for the plants has been blamed by local environmentalists for the area's poor water quality and a skin disease affecting marine life.


The report recommends an independent internationally recognised review of the management of Gladstone Harbour.




UNDER PRESSURE: UNESCO'S REPORT CARD ON AUSTRALIA'S MANAGEMENT OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Major findings:
- "The rapid increase of coastal developments, including ports infrastructure is of significant concern."


- "The property further lacks an overall plan for the future sustainable development of the reef."


- "It is further essential to reduce development and other pressures as much as possible to enable an increase in the reef's resilience to adapt to climate change."


- "Should some of the most threatening developments proceed further towards consent, it is recommended that the world heritage committee considers the possibility of listing the property as being in danger."


- "There is a range of unaddressed concerns regarding the protection and management of the port and LNG facilities in Gladstone Harbour and on Curtis Island and the protection of its surrounding environment."


The report recommends:
- Australia should "not permit any new port development or associated infrastructure outside of the existing and long-established major port areas within or adjoining the property."


- The Australian government complete a strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef before 2015.


- Australia sustain and increase efforts and resources to conserve the reef.


- An independent review of the management of Gladstone Harbour.