State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has praised the great work being done by the Hunter Wetlands team as the world celebrates World Wetlands Day.
Wetlands are important for providing habitat and breeding grounds for birds, fish and other wildlife, supporting biodiversity, maintaining water quality and recharge for groundwater, and often representing Aboriginal cultural significance and supporting recreational and tourism activities.
Australia was one of the first nations to sign up to the Ramsar Convention for the protection of internationally important wetlands, with NSW containing 12 Ramsar-listed wetlands including the Hunter Wetlands at Shortland.
Over the last several years, concentrated efforts to rehabilitate the Hunter Wetlands have seen wildlife stocks in the area flourish. Mangroves are growing back, bringing a richness of biodiversity some feared would never be seen again.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“We recently celebrated World Wetlands Day and The Hunter Wetlands are absolutely priceless, both for Wallsend and the broader Hunter community.”
“The flow-on effects for the broader Hunter environment and community shouldn’t be underestimated. A revitalised wetlands means richer biodiversity, strengthening our local environment and encouraging eco-tourism.”
“I have long supported the Hunter Wetlands Centre, championing their achievements in the Parliament and helping with funding through Community Building Partnership where possible.”
“Since 2010, my office has helped secure a total of $104,535 funding through Community Building Partnership for the Hunter Wetlands Centre, including setting up a conference centre, the replacement of canoeing infrastructure, improvements to walking tracks and parking facilities, and most recently for a feral animal exclusion fence.”
“With wetlands facing increasing challenges from climate change and water use conflicts, it is vital we continue to protect wetlands of importance.”