Fight for the Great Barrier Reef: Photo Story by Liezl Shnookal

Liezl Shnookal looking out over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in the glorious Whitsundays.

In 2015, I visited Queensland’s stunning Whitsundays and gazed out over the glorious Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet at high tide.

Aerial view of a tropical beach cove.

Flying in a small plane over this same area,

Aerial view of winding turquoise river.

I was amazed at how low tide revealed an entirely different landscape.

Aerial view of a vibrant coral reef.

From the air, the vast expanse of the Great Barrier Reef unfolded before me.

Aerial view of vibrant coral reef formations.

It reminded me of one of the greatest experiences of my life — snorkelling the vibrant Outer Reef in the 1980s.

Construction site warning sign at Abbot Point.

But just nearby lies the site planned for a massive expansion of a coal mine and port.

Woman near Abbot Point construction site sign.

Frankly, I could hardly believe it.

Aerial view of coral reef and ocean.

Now – in 2020 – the Reef has suffered its third mass coral bleaching event, due to climate change.

Aerial view of ocean with coral reef.

Burning coal from Adani’s mine will only accelerate global warming,

Aerial view of coral reefs and ocean.

and our precious Great Barrier Reef will certainly be destroyed and lost to us forever.

Aerial view of a part of The Great Barrier Reef - a scene from Liezl Shnookal's photojournal Fight for The Great Barrier Reef.

But we have choices: the survival of the Reef OR Adani's massive coal mine and port?

Aerial view of coastal landscape and islands.

Many thousands of long-term jobs in tourism OR some short-lived mining positions?

Aerial view of vibrant coral reef formations.

We must protect the Reef before it's too late. Join the movement to stop Adani and save the Great Barrier Reef.

A black and white image of the words " join stop adani now !"