INVEST MORE IN LAKES HEALTH: NATS

Thursday, January 10, 2008

The State Government has been accused of under-investing in programs to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes and catchment.

The Nationals Upper House Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall said the Brumby Government had cut funding for the nutrient reduction program from $3.2 million per year to just $2 million per year.

“The formation of the Gippsland Lakes and Catchment Taskforce in 2001 led to the establishment of a target of reducing the amount of nutrients entering the system by 40% by the year 2022,” Mr Hall said.

“However, I don’t believe that the research and the good work of local agencies is being backed up with adequate resources from Melbourne.

“While it would be unfair to blame the State Government for the current algal bloom, there is no question that Melbourne Labor is under-investing in the environmental health of the Gippsland Lakes and catchment.”

Mr Hall said the environmental issues facing the Gippsland Lakes and catchment had been highlighted by the CSIRO and Gippsland Coastal Board.

“In comparison to the size of the catchment area, the Lakes themselves are relatively small and the rivers flowing into the system carry nutrients from a variety of sources,” Mr Hall said.

“Working with the community to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the system was regarded as a critical issue by CSIRO and it is difficult to understand why the State Government has cut funding for this initiative.

“In a budget of more than $30 billion a year, it is a failure of public policy to be providing just $2 million per year for the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce’s work on nutrient reduction.

“The environment of the Gippsland Lakes is vital to the social and economic life of our region and there needs to be a long-term commitment to restoring the system to better health.

“In the lead up to this year’s state budget, I will continue to pressure the State Government to make a more meaningful contribution to the improved management of our natural assets.”