August 6, 2008
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on the State and Federal Governments to invest more money in improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes following a decision to cull black swans which were grazing on private land.
Mr Chester said the swans had been forced to seek food away from their natural habitat as a direct result of the algal blooms which have severely impacted the Lakes over the past eight months.
“As distressing as it is for the swans to be culled, the bigger issue at stake is the overall health of the Gippsland Lakes and catchment,” Mr Chester said.
“The swans are searching for food after the algal bloom has restricted sea-grass growth in the lakes system. I have a great deal of sympathy for the landholder concerned – his livelihood is being impacted because swans are being forced out of their natural habitat.
“It’s time for the State and Federal Governments to get serious about the amount of money they allocate to improving water quality in the Gippsland Lakes catchment.”
Mr Chester said the State Government had cut funding for the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce in 2006 and the Federal Government had repeatedly promised $5.25 million over the next three years.
“I’ve written to the Rudd Government to seek details on the specific projects that will be targeted with its funding contribution and how the money will be allocated,” Mr Chester said.
“The Gippsland Coastal Board has done some excellent work since 2002 with its nutrient reduction program, in partnership with local landholders. We need more funding for practical environmental works and locally-based research initiatives.
“There is a significant knowledge gap in the research and we are dealing with an algal bloom which has lasted longer than previous blooms and the impacts are becoming increasingly severe. The displaced black swans point to a bigger problem with water quality and the social, economic and environmental future of the Gippsland Lakes is at risk.
“Millions of dollars of private investment and the RAMSAR listed wetlands are at stake but governments are spending a pittance on a problem which shows no signs of going away.”
Mr Chester said he would raise the issue of the Gippsland Lakes in his maiden speech to Federal Parliament on August 26.