Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12.6 Construction of the Hayman Island Resort, c. 1962. Source: Photograph Ref. 3273,
SRS189/1 Box 17 Item 73, Queensland Industry, Services, Views, People and Events; Photo-
graphic Proofs and Negatives; Islands - Barrier Reef, Queensland State Archives, Brisbane
the construction of tourist infrastructure in the Great Barrier Reef, as narrated
above, had resulted in dramatic changes to the landscapes of some islands, and
probably also to their reefs, particularly at Green, Hayman, Magnetic, Dunk and
Lady Musgrave Islands.
Summary
This chapter has presented evidence of various other physical impacts on the
reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (besides those described in earlier chapters). The
clearing of access channels and tracks in coral reefs caused significant changes
in the structure of the reefs at Heron and Lady Musgrave Islands, and at North
Reef. Military impacts - including the bombing and shelling that occurred for
the purpose of target practice - caused profound destruction at several locations,
particularly the reefs and islands of Lady Musgrave and Fairfax Islands and
Upolu Cay. Reef-walking was an activity with smaller individual impacts, but
cumulatively was a prolonged and widespread activity in the Great Barrier Reef,
and particular concerns were expressed about the damage it caused to reefs at
Green and Heron Islands. The development of tourist infrastructure on some
of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef also led to localised degradation, and
again particular concerns focused on the degradation of Green, Heron and Lady
Musgrave Islands, as well as some other popular destinations such as Hayman
Island. The impacts described in this chapter were diverse ones that varied in
their geographical distribution and intensity; nevertheless, it is likely that the
reefs at Heron, Lady Musgrave, Fairfax and Green Islands, North Reef and Upolu
Cay were significantly degraded as a result.
 
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