Call for the Inclusion of the Great Australian Bight on the World Heritage List

The Greens are advocating for the preservation of the iconic bay of the Great Australian Bight by seeking to have it added to the World Heritage List.

The party plans to introduce federal and state legislation to designate the area as protected to safeguard its unique marine ecosystem from pollution.

“The Great Australian Bight is a precious part of South Australia and it deserves protection from oil drilling and pollution indefinitely,” said Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, on Sunday.

Senator Hanson-Young emphasized the global significance of the bay due to the diverse marine life it supports, including whale species and sea lions.

“Eighty-five percent of the species in the bight are found nowhere else on the planet,” she highlighted.

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A study in November 2019 indicated that the majority of South Australians are in favor of including the Great Australian Bight in the World Heritage List.

According to a poll conducted by the Australia Institute with over 500 respondents, 84 percent support world heritage designation, up from 77 percent in March.

The survey also revealed that 66 percent believe that the bight would be more beneficial for South Australia as a marine park rather than an oil extraction site.

This decision to advocate for World Heritage protection comes just a week before a by-election in Black, triggered by the resignation of former Liberal Leader David Speirs under controversial circumstances.

Speirs resigned as SA party leader in August, citing exhaustion from continuous leadership speculation. Subsequently, footage emerged allegedly showing him involved in drug-related activities, leading to legal charges and his subsequent departure from parliament.

Voters are scheduled to participate in the by-election on Saturday.