Govt well-equipped to ensure reef's future: Garrett
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Mr Garrett says people should feel confident about the future of the reef. (AAP: Dean Lewins, file photo)
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett says the Government knows it must do more to save the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has called a summit later this month to discuss a new report that reveals there are still major problems with the health of the reef.
Mr Garrett says people should feel confident the Federal Government is well-equipped to ensure the future of the reef.
"We've specifically committed $200 million to reef rescue knowing that we need to provide additional resources, additional investment, and additional effort to safeguard what is one of our most important national and international natural resources and treasures," he said.
Earlier today Ms Bligh revealed data taken last year showed more than 6 million tonnes of sediment was discharged into reef waters.
"We agreed that the first step will be a joint Commonwealth-state reef water quality summit at Parliament House at the end of this month," she said.
"The summit will bring together the best minds from the environmental and scientific fields to study the latest data and discuss what urgent action we need to take to prevent further damage to - or worse - the complete demise of the reef."
