Seismic tests near Gt Barrier Reef spark protest

  • 21/12/2000

Australia's opposition Labor Party accused the government yesterday of playing Russian roulette with the Great Barrier Reef if it allowed exploration for oil near the World Heritage area off the Queensland coast. Environment Minister Robert Hill has called for an environmental impact study into a proposal to conduct seismic testing about 50 kms (30 miles) from the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.