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Labor promises $1m for HEN to help restore Hawkesbury River and wetlands
A hefty $1m is on track for Hawkesbury Environment Network to help restoration projects along the severely damaged Hawkesbury River, if a Labor government is elected in May.
The money will be part of Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
HEN committee, Sharon Grech, Lyn Ward, Jocelyn Howden, and Christine Watson with Federal MP Susan Templeman
Macquarie MP Susan Templeman said of the promise, “this investment will provide the opportunity for HEN to work with different organisations to help restore river areas and wetlands that were damaged by flooding.
“Even before the floods, these waterways and wetlands were subject to urban stressors like run-off, changes in land use – including increased development – and invasive weeds.
“Our area has been devastated by flooding on two separate occasions this year alone, in addition to the floods of 2021 and 2020.
“Consequently, the river, riverbanks, water and surrounding areas have been wiped out in many areas.”
HEN Chair, Jocelyn Howden, said the funding was very welcome.
“Hawkesbury Environment Network is overwhelmed by the possibilities for restoration and recovery in the Hawkesbury. We can only begin to imagine what we could achieve with this amazingly generous offer from our local member,” Ms Howden said.
Ms Templeman said, “we need to look after our waterways because they supply and filter water, provide habitat for biodiversity, store carbon and allow recreation for the local community, as well as providing resilience to natural hazards.
“HEN has worked tirelessly to help restore so many areas around our river, and I am very pleased to be able to give them a helping hand to continue their essential work for the community.”
Labor’s previously announced $200 million urban rivers and catchments investment will fund projects across the country to restore urban river systems, catchments, and wetlands.
Fixing up waterways and the catchment areas around them will work towards improving water quality, help improve habitat for animals, and should deliver positive outcomes for nature and communities.
Ms Templeman said there is broad community support for the project and the Hawkesbury Environment Network will be able to work with other organisations and community members.
She added, “only a Labor Government will restore Australia’s urban rivers and catchments”.
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