Newman reef claims worry conservationists

Conservationists have dismissed a claim by the Queensland premier that the Great Barrier Reef is in a healthy state.

Campbell Newman claimed the reef was "pretty healthy now" during a speech to the Queensland Resources Council this week.

"The place has come a long way," Mr Newman said.

"We should not be ashamed of our role in propelling growth and prosperity forward."

Mr Newman's comments come after US president Barack Obama criticised Australia's role in fighting climate change during the recent G20 summit in Brisbane.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) issued a statement on Saturday saying they're concerned at Mr Newman's comments, which are at odds with the reality of the reef's situation.

The society cited an Australian government Outlook Report which stated the reef was in poor health and declining.

"The government's determination to press ahead with port expansions, more dredging in the World Heritage Area and dumping on sensitive wetlands will only make matters worse," AMCS Great Barrier Reef campaign director Felicity Wishart said in the statement.

"The reef supports a $6 billion tourism industry that generates 69,000 jobs for Queenslanders yet he (Newman) is putting the coal industry first and risking the reef."