Great Barrier Reef: 'No toxic disposed' during drudging

Environmentalists in Australia are considering legal action against a decision that will allow millions of cubic metres of mud to be dredged near the Great Barrier Reef.

On Friday, the Marine Park Authority controversially approved a permit for a major expansion of the port of Abbot Point in Queensland.

The expansion means an extra 70 million tonnes of coal each year will go through the port, which is also a main gateway to the reef.

The resulting spoil is to be dumped 25km (16 miles) further down the Queensland coast.

Authority Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said at no point would any toxic material be disposed of.