RICHARD MARLES MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION, EMPLOYMENT, SKILLS AND SMALL BUSINESS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SCIENCE
MEMBER FOR CORIO

TERRI BUTLER MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH

FIONA PHILLIPS MP
MEMBER FOR GILMORE

LABOR WILL IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF SHOALHAVEN WATERWAYS

An Albanese Labor government will directly contribute to improving the health of the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers and their tributaries.

Deputy Labor Leader Richard Marles joined Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips today to make the $1.5 million commitment from Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

This will support Shoalhaven City Council to undertake activities including pollution reduction, water quality management, bushcare and revegetation, and sediment and erosion control.

The program will enhance community connectivity to the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven River and their tributaries, which contribute greatly to the amenity of our communities.

Labor’s previously announced urban rivers and catchments investment will fund projects across Australia to restore urban rivers, estuaries, catchments, and wetlands.

Fixing up waterways and the catchment areas around them will improve water quality, will help improve habitat for animals, and deliver positive outcomes for nature and communities.

There is broad community support for the project, including from the Shoalhaven City Council, and the local community.
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Comment attributable to Deputy Labor Leader Richard Marles:

“This is a beautiful part of Australia, and Labor will help the community here to preserve the rivers and catchments for future generations.

“The Shoalhaven and South Coast have unique waterways and a coastline which is a massive tourist drawcard across Australia and the world. Supporting local rivers here isn’t just vital for water quality, it’s also about supporting the local economy.”
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Comment attributable to Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:

“As someone that has grown up on a local farm along the banks of the Shoalhaven River, I know how important our rivers and estuaries are for our communities. I thank our dedicated volunteers that are always committed to protecting our waterways and helping educate our young people.

“I’m overjoyed that an Albanese Labor Government will deliver this much needed funding to Shoalhaven City Council to help our community to protect and maintain our local urban rivers.

“It’s great that this fantastic program from Shoalhaven City Council will also help support education and increased access to our waterways for kids in our local schools.”