During a visit to the Hunter Wetlands Centre on World Wetlands Day with Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, Shadow Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has called on the State Government to take concerted action to protect the state’s precious wetland sites.
The Hunter Estuary Wetlands are a powerful example of the theme of this year’s World Wetlands Day, ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future’, with the site being nursed from what was known as a swamp overrun with urban and industrial rubbish to a vibrant and healthy wetland ecosystem.
Wetlands are critical for the natural environment, providing protection from erosion and flooding, habitat for diverse animals and plants, and improving water quality, as well as playing important environmental, social and economic roles including the locations of significant Aboriginal cultural sites, safe zones for fish and other marine life, controlling pests and storing carbon.
However, there is more to do – a first step for the Government is to renew the NSW Wetlands Policy, which has not been updated in eight years.
In addition, many sites around New South Wales should be considered for enhanced protection, such as the Menindee Lakes, where despite urging from Broken Hill Council and the local community, the Government has failed to support a listing under the Convention on Wetlands (‘Ramsar listing’) to recognise the lakes as a wetland of international importance.
Another example of neglect is the Macquarie Marshes. One of the most internationally significant wetlands. The Marshes remain under threat from a hostile government not committed to providing the environmental water that the Marshes need to survive.
NB: February 2 is World Wetlands Day: www.worldwetlandsday.org
Quotes attributable to Shadow Environment Minister Penny Sharpe
“Wetlands perform essential functions for our natural environment and support resilience in our plants and animals, as well as providing significant economic and social benefits to local communities.
“In her first year as Premier, Gladys Berejiklian has failed to heed calls for stronger wetland protection, such as for the Menindee Lakes. Given the increasing challenges to wetlands from climate change and water use conflicts, now is not the time for the Government to “go easy” on protecting these special places.
“Healthy, protected wetlands can create a huge boost to tourism, as well as education opportunities, while local users can be confident that the water and wildlife are pristine and safeguarded at all times.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“The Hunter Wetlands Centre is a treasured local institution that features heavily on school calendars and among local environment groups keen to learn more and contribute to our environment.
“I have long supported the Hunter Wetlands Centre and will continue to engage with the NSW Government to secure the resources needed to maintain the health of the wetlands.”