MP campaigns for local environment projects
Posted March 18, 2019
More than a million dollars’ worth of local environmental projects is being championed by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie in the lead-up to the 2019 election.
“We have so many committed not-for-profit environment groups in our community and thousands of hardworking volunteers so it’s important they continue to receive the funding support they need to keep successful programs running and to start new projects,” Rebekha said.
“In the past six months, I have approached seven organisations that are in regular contact with my office to ascertain the most pressing local environmental needs facing the electorate of Mayo.
“This process has taken place separately to the Communities Environmental Program announced on 4 March 2019.
“In response, five organisations have come back to me with details of more than two dozen projects and programs – big and small – with a combined estimated cost of more than $1 million.
“These projects range from small scale weed control and management of valuable native roadside vegetation to large scale habitat restoration.
“All of them are important and all of them are well considered, practical responses to the needs of the community as identified by those locals dedicated to the care of their environment.”
Rebekha has written to the Environment Minister Melissa Price and the Opposition Spokesperson for the Environment Tony Burke outlining the projects.
"Details of the projects are confidential but I have called on both major parties to support the listed organisations and to visit their project sites to see for themselves the work these groups are accomplishing to protect our local environment for future generations,” Rebekha said.
“The listed projects cover the breadth of Mayo from the Hills to Kangaroo Island and include some precious sites such as the Coorong and the wetlands on the Fleurieu.
“We are at the crossroads with our environment and our community is calling for climate action because the effects of climate change are already evident.
“Local NGO groups are already taking action but they need adequate financial support to continue their good work.
“If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I will be advocating for the reinstatement of sufficient recurrent funding for community environment NGOs.”