$2.5 million to protect coastal wetlands in North East NSW and South East Queensland
Janelle Saffin,Peter Garrett
posted Saturday, 14 August 2010
A re-elected Gillard Labor Government will support a $2.5 million, three-year national pilot project to restore 20 coastal wetlands close to urban developments in South East Queensland and North East NSW.
The announcement was made today by Environment Protection Minister Peter Garrett during a visit to Page with Member for Page, Janelle Saffin.
Janelle Saffin said protecting the local environment was a key part of the Gillard Labor Government’s plan for a sustainable Australia.
“The North Coast environment is an invaluable asset to our community, to biodiversity and to our economy,” Janelle Saffin said.
“I’m pleased that one of our leading environmental groups in Page – WetlandCare Australia – is being supported to carry out this important work.”
WetlandCare Australia will work with local government, Landcare groups, schools, indigenous and other community groups to protect and restore the integrity and function of these wetlands.
Peter Garrett said coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet and provide habitat for migratory bird species, as well as breeding grounds for fish.
“Coastal wetlands are also natural water filters, purifying water and ensuring clean, healthy waterways,” Peter Garrett said.
“In a region where tourism, recreational fishing and commercial fishing are so important, wetlands make a real contribution to the regional economy.
"This project will be delivered by WetlandCare Australia, a non-government organisation based in Ballina, which will
“The Government will evaluate this approach to determine whether it can be applied nationally to improve the health of coastal wetlands elsewhere.
“At each site a detailed wetland remediation plan will be developed in consultation with partners and an expert steering committee.
“Funding will also be provided to start implementing the plan and monitoring results.
“These wetlands face increasing pressures from climate change – the twin pressures of rising sea levels and changed rainfall patterns.”
This national pilot project will be supported through Caring for our Country. The 20 coastal wetlands to be targeted are:
| Site |
Town |
| Bustard Bay |
Near Seventeen Seventy, Qld |
| Pasturage Reserve |
Near Bargara, Qld |
| Splitters Creek |
Near Bundaberg, Qld |
| Noosa River Wetlands |
Near Noosa, Qld |
| Lake Weyba |
Near Noosa, Qld |
| Coolum Creek/Lower Maroochy RIver |
Near Maroochydore, Qld |
| Upper Pumistone Coastal Plain |
Near Coochin Creek, Qld |
| Pumistone Passage |
Near Donnybrook, Qld |
| Moreton Bay |
Near Beachmere, Qld |
| Hays Inlet |
Near Dohles Rocks, Qld |
| Redlands Wetland Aggregate |
Near Cleveland, Qld |
| Carbrook Wetlands |
Near Carbrook, Qld |
| Lake Coomabah |
Near Coomabah, Qld |
| Cudgen Lake |
Near Cabarita Beach, NSW |
| Tyagrah |
Near Brunswick Heads, NSW |
| Belongil |
Near Byron Bay, NSW |
| North Creek |
Near Lennox Head, NSW |
| Tuckean |
Near Ballina, NSW |
| Clarence Broadwater |
Near Yamba, NSW |
| Gumma Gumma |
Near Nambucca Heads, NSW |
Tags: environment, Garrett, Page, protection, Saffin, wetland, wetlands