Conservationists called for Government and industry to follow rhetoric with action on erosion control after they saw clear evidence of the ongoing damage by sediment to the Great Barrier Reef and other waterways presented at the recent Environmental Protection Agency "Down To Earth" Conference at Cairns.

"We call on the Queensland government to show leadership and commit more resources to eliminate erosion that is damaging the Reef. Marine parks, coastal areas, estuaries and inland waterways are all at risk of sedimentation and poisoning due to erosion," said John Rainbird Coordinator of Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC).

"Disturbed soils from our steep slopes, waterways and floodplains are showing up on the Reef, where our corals are dying and our fish and other wildlife are losing their food sources. We need action and we need it now," he said.

"All levels of government, industries and community have a role to play," said Michael Petter, Coordinator of the Brisbane Region Environment Council. "We’re pleased to see the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency is finally trying to take a more active lead role in this matter."

Conference speakers showed the clear link between poor water quality and reef damage, and the extent of damage being caused by high sediment loads in runoff from inappropriate, ill-considered and poorly managed developments and projects. Engineers and researchers said that we have the technology to deal with the risks, but warned that we lack legislation or other tools to prevent harm in the first place.

"There were a lot of engineering and enforcement solutions proposed at the conference," said Sheila Davis, Gecko - Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council delegate. "But when it comes down to it, we cannot afford any more losses of soil or burying of our marine and freshwater ecosystems."

"Our coastal waters and estuaries are under threat where we allow inappropriately sited infrastructure and poorly regulated and planned urban development," said Patricia Julien, Coordinator of the Mackay Conservation Group. "Inadequately maintained mining projects and inefficient agricultural practices add to the erosion mix."

"A lot of energy is wasted trying to stop erosion and to control sediment, when it needs to be prevented in the first place," said Mr Rainbird. "State and local governments must make a concerted, coordinated effort to stop destruction of the Reef and other marine and freshwater environments."

Conservationists have developed a 9 Point Erosion Elimination Plan (see next page).

"We want the State Government to establish a working group, with industry environment & local government involvement, to fast-track the changes to policy, enforcement and legislation," concluded Mr Rainbird.