Australia blocks a new coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef

Australia blocked a proposal for a new coal mine 6 miles from the Great Barrier Reef.

The Australian government declined permission to launch a new thermal coal mine just off the coast of Queensland.

Public outcry about the potential risks to the protected UNCECO reef are credited with influencing the government's decision.

"The mine is an open-cut coal mine less than 10km from the Great Barrier Reef, and the risk of pollution and irreversible damage to the reef is very real. I've decided that the adverse environmental impacts are simply too great," Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said.