$2.5m promise gets Garrett a hug

Minister for Environmental Protection Peter Garrett is hugged by WetlandCare Australia general manager Nicci.

It’s not often that an election announcement is met with genuine emotion, so Environment Protection Minister Peter Garrett looked more than a little surprised when WetlandCare Australia’s general manager Nicci Carter burst out of the crowd at Heritage Park on Friday to give him a big hug.

Mr Garrett and Page MP Janelle Saffin announced a $2.5 million, three-year national pilot project to restore 20 coastal wetlands (including the Tuckean and North Creek wetlands) close to urban developments in South East Queensland and North East NSW.

Ms Saffin said the North Coast environment was an invaluable asset to the community, biodiversity and the economy.

“I’m pleased that one of our leading environmental groups in Page, WetlandCare Australia, is being supported to carry out this important work,” she said.

WetlandCare is based in Ballina and Ms Carter said the projects would involve working with local government, Landcare groups, schools, Indigenous and other community groups to protect and restore the integrity and function of these wetlands.

“We are so grateful that the government acknowledges the hard work we do and the importance of wetlands,” Ms Carter said. “We are looking forward to working with local communities in the North Coast region to restore and protect our precious wetlands.”

Mr 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,” Mr Garrett said. “In a region where tourism, recreational fishing and commercial fishing are so important, wetlands make a real contribution to the regional economy.

“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.”