BARRIER REEF REVISITED: AN APPRAISAL OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION REPORT

Abstract

A CONTROVERSY arose in the late 1960s regarding the effect of the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci (Lamarck) on the Great Barrier Reef. At that time of public concern, oil exploration was announced in the vicinity of the reef. In response to public outcry, the Federal and Queensland governments created the Great Barrier Reef Petroleum Drilling Royal Commissions.

The Commissions acted as one Commission and sat for the first time on 22 May, 1970. Their terms of reference related to risks involved and effects of leaks if drilling for petroleum was allowed in the Barrier Reef province; areas where drilling could be allowed and conditions to be imposed; and probable benefits of drilling. Hearings continued intermittently until 3 July, 1972, and a summary of findings was released on 22 November, 1974.

The Commission found a small but real risk of blowouts, but were unable to predict the effect of unweathered oil on corals and associated organisms; they found that drilling could take place within certain areas of the province remote from reefs, with appropriate safety precautions; they were not able to quantify the potential benefits of drilling.