MEDIA RELEASE: Janelle Saffin launches WetlandCare Australia's project to restore 20 coastal wetlands
Page MP Janelle Saffin delivered on an election commitment on Tuesday 8th March when she launched WetlandCare Australia's Coastal 20 project, a three-year pilot program to restore coastal wetlands from Kempsey to Gladstone in Queensland.
Ms Saffin said the $2.5 million project is being funded by the Federal Government's Caring for Country program.
"I'm pleased that one of our leading environmental groups in Page, WetlandCare Australia - is being supported to carry out this important work.
"There are so many environmental organisations and programs, and from the early days as the Member for Page I decided that WetlandCare Australia was an organisation I wanted to throw my support behind.
"Wetlands are the lungs of our environment; they are natural water filters, and vital for healthy waterways and also important habitat for birds.
"Our coastal wetlands face increasing pressures from climate change- the twin pressures of rising sea levels and changed rainfall patterns.
"The Coastal 20 wetland restoration project involves WetlandCare Australia working in partnership with community, government and industry to undertake restoration of 20 important wetlands in North East NSW and South East Queensland.
"The former Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, promised funding for the project when he was in Page during last year's election campaign, and when Tony Burke took over as Environment Minister he gave the project his strong support.
"This has gone from a proposal, to a promise, to being delivered and I'm glad to be here to mark the start of this national pilot program.
"In our region where tourism and recreational and commercial fishing are so important, wetlands make a real contribution to the regional economy.
"WetlandCare Australia General Manager Nicci Carter is a great advocate for the organisation and hearing from CEO Ben Copeman and Project Manager Adam Gosling today it is clear that this is a dedicated group of people committed to improving the state of our environment.
"I commend all those at WetlandCare Australia for their commitment to protecting our environment and wish them success with this important work.