By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay council has cited the findings of the federal government’s State of the Environment report as further indication of the need for investment in initiatives such as a wetlands centre in Hobsons Bay.
Released on Tuesday, July 19, the report described the current state of Australia’s environmental health as “poor and deteriorating” and said Australians could expect further extinctions of Australian species over the next 20 years unless current management efforts and investments are substantially increased.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said that Council has been seeking a three-way partnership with the state and federal governments for the $16 million needed to deliver the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre [HBWC], with a $5 million contribution from council dependent on state and federal governments contributing the remaining $11 million.
“Hobsons Bay City Council is championing this place-based initiative as it will boost shared stewardship of our precious environment and the ecosystems it supports,” he said.
HBWC chair Dr Marilyn Olliff said the the report indicated the need for more biodiverse urban areas and the HBWC would help protect the area’s biodiversity.
“The Wetlands Centre has a vitally important role, not only in the provision of opportunities for education and research. but also to raise awareness in the growing community of the west of the paramount importance of caring for our natural environment,” she said.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the report was a “shocking document”.
“It tells a story of crisis and decline in Australia’s environment,” she said.
“I won’t be putting my head in the sand – under Labor, the environment is back on the priority list.
“Now is the time to read this report and take action.”
Overall, the report described the current state of Australia’s environmental health as “poor and deteriorating”.
“Our inability to adequately manage pressures will continue to result in species extinctions and deteriorating ecosystem condition, which are reducing the environmental capital on which current and future economies depend,” the report said.
However, the report said that there was an opportunity to turn things around given immediate action was undertaken through innovative management and collaboration.
Details: soe.dcceew.gov.au or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/Advocacy-Priorities-2021-22/Hobsons-Bay-Wetlands-Centre
