The effect of dredging on reefs has come up for renewed debate after a new study. Photo: Supplied
New research linking coral diseases to dredging has sparked renewed debate over the potential impact of the practice on the Great Barrier Reef.
An Australian Research Council study of a Western Australian dredge project found dredge plume stressed coral making it more prone to chronic diseases.
But Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell says it would be irresponsible to compare dredge projects in WA to those off the Queensland coast.
He says the Queensland government has consistently said it will be guided by science when it comes to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Powell says the reef is one of the best managed world heritage sites in the world and dredging projects are subject to strict environmental conditions.