Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Many in this place will be well aware of where the electorate of Capricornia is situated, but for those opposite, who always ignore the region, I will remind you. Capricornia is located in the heart of Central Queensland, taking in the region from the beef capital, Rockhampton, up to the historic mining town of Collinsville in the north. Capricornians have access to some of the most pristine and breathtaking sections of the Great Barrier Reef. It may surprise some of you to know that the electorate which, quite rightly, claims the title of coal and cattle capital is also something of a major player in coral—the relationship between our land and sea resources is of vital importance—which is why I'm pleased to be part of a federal government that takes all three seriously.

The most recent contribution to help protect the future of the reef—half a billion dollars—is very welcome. One has to wonder why those opposite are so critical of sensible investment in one of the natural wonders of the world. This major investment in the future of the reef means working with organisations that know what they are doing. One of the best aspects of our investment is delivering more resources to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. GBRMPA do an excellent job of managing and protecting our coastline. This funding will help them to do this more and better. The Great Barrier Reef is an asset for the entire east coast of Queensland. I, for one, wholeheartedly back the government's investment in its future.