Moreton Bay in full recovery after Oil Spill

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
The Honourable Kate Jones
10/03/2010
MORETON BAY IN FULL RECOVERY AFTER OIL SPILL

One year after Queensland's largest environmental clean-up, Moreton Bay has suffered no lasting damage, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones told State Parliament thanks to an effective clean-up response involving more than 2,500 people from 22 agencies, the region had a quick recovery.

"Despite what the Member for Noosa would have people believe, today's reports have found the clean-up response was effective and successful," Ms Jones said.

"The long-term recovery phase has also proceeded well and it's a testament to the response from everyone involved that visitors have returned to the affected areas in even higher numbers than before the spill.

"The Government is taking these reports on board and in fact has acted to address a number of the concerns already.

"We're training up more Environment and Scientific Coordinators as recommended and an MoU is being drawn up between the agencies to better clarify responsibilities and channels of communication so more emphasis is placed on areas of environmental significance."

Ms Jones said the initial focus of the clean-up was on the beaches as it was clearly the most extensively affected area from the spill.

"Regarding concerns about the wetland, consistent reports from scientists involved in the ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation of the wetlands are that the wetlands are in good condition and recovering well.

"The oil was predominantly removed from the wetland by hand by small teams of indigenous trainee rangers under the supervision of and supported by expert wetlands scientists from the department.

The measured, low impact approach taken has clearly paid off, keeping the footprint of the clean-up as small as possible and paving the way for significant regrowth to occur already in the area."

Ms Jones said Glen Elmes' comments about ranger numbers were breathtaking given he went to last year's election with a policy to slash the workforce.

"Under the LNP's policy, rangers would have gone down by around 80 risking the protection and maintenance of our most treasured areas."

Ms Jones said more people had visited campsites on Moreton Island between December 2009 and March 2010 compared to the same period 12 months earlier.

"That's due in no small part to the huge effort that saw nearly all beaches and most campsites re-opened for the Easter holidays," she said.

"All campsites were fully operational by 10 May last year and it was business as usual from September.

Ms Jones said DERM scientists had been constantly monitoring the water quality and ecosystems of the affected areas and have so far confirmed no long term impacts from the incident.

"Recovery of Spitfire Creek is all but finished with only small remnants on the surrounding reeds shown to be non-toxic and breaking down naturally," she said.

Permanent Link: Moreton Bay in full recovery after Oil Spill
Publish Date: 11 Mar 10