Environment Minister Sussan Ley said Australia would challenge the move, accusing UN officials of backflipping on their assurances ahead of the World Heritage Committee's 44th session in China next month, where the recommendation will be formally considered.
The UN body did not consider the billions of dollars spent attempting to protect the world's largest coral reef, she added.The committee's draft report did commend Australia's efforts to improve reef quality and its financial commitment. Ley said she had spoken to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay overnight Monday to express"very clearly our strong disappointment, even bewilderment".Placement on the UN body's in-danger list is not considered a sanction. According to UNESCO, some nations have their sites added to gain international attention and help to save them but it is seen as a dishonour by others.