DATELINE: 28th April 2001

NINGALOO THREAT
Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, a celebrated diving destination off Cape Range Peninsula in Western Australia, could soon be the centre of a large new resort complex and marina. Conservationists are up in arms about the fact that the Australian government is seriously considering the development proposal.
Stretching 160 miles along and near the mainland coast, Ningaloo is supremely rich in marine life and. But, say the protesters, it is also vulnerable to the effects of coastal development. The developers wish to excavate a lagoon and access channel for a 240-boat marina, and build a five-star hotel, 370 houses and a shopping complex.
Among the protesters is the celebrated Australian underwater film maker David Hannan, who has worked with local conservationists to develop the website www.save-ningaloo.org

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