Australia's Great Barrier Reef in Danger

Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is under immediate threat from a number of developments and may receive an "in danger" listing as a world heritage site

The news comes following a UNESCO visit to the world’s largest living structure in March. The key threats are said to include coastal development, ports and liquefied natural gas facilities, extreme weather, grounding of ships and poor water quality.

UNESCO called for the setting of clear, legal targets for the reef’s condition, and said the high level of approvals for planned development was a concern.

The World Heritage Committee will discuss the report when it meets in St Petersburg later this month.