Qld: Job Cuts At The CSIRO Put The Great Barrier Reef At Risk Due To Climate Change

CSIRO scientists play important roles on the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce – a body set up to save the reef – and other advisory bodies which provide key modelling and advice on the health of the reef. Queensland Minister for the Environment, National Parks and Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles said the withdrawal of resources from climate sciences at the CSIRO would hurt farmers as well as the environment.

“When it comes to protecting the reef, climate and water quality sciences are the most important things,” Dr Miles said.

“But they are being targeted by the Prime Minister’s cuts.”

Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Christopher Pyne has refused to guarantee joint programs into the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef would continue amidst 350 job cuts at the CSIRO.

The Turnbull Government refuses to guarantee job cuts at the CSIRO won’t impact on research into the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef.

The most recent job cuts at the CSIRO come on top of the 1400 jobs which have been cut from the organisation since the Turnbull/Abbott Government came to power in 2013.

The Reef generates an estimated $6 billion for the Australian economy and supports 69,000 jobs.

Queensland partners with the CSIRO extensively on issues of climate change and particularly its effects on the Great Barrier Reef.

“The withdrawal of CSIRO from climate science reduces the level of confidence and certainty around the Australian Government’s commitment to securing the future of the beef industry in regards to climate change adaptation and the Reef in regards to nutrient and soil management.”