Protecting and restoring our local natural environments is crucial for biodiversity, providing a home for flora and fauna, managing the impacts of climate change, as well as recreational spaces for the community.
The community in Wills is very fortunate to be bordered by the Merri and Moonee Ponds creeks. So many of us have spent time running or walking or cycling along the creeks, hanging out with our children and friends, listening to the birds and otherwise just enjoying these special places of nature in our urban environment.
I am committing to push for $10 million to go towards protecting and restoring the local environment in Wills, and in particular the Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks.
As well as supporting local programs to protect and restore the creeks, I know that the establishment of the wallan wallan (upper Merri) Regional Park is crucial to the future of the Merri Creek. I will advocate for the Commonwealth to assist the state government to purchase the land needed to create the park and protect the creek for generations to come.
The creation of the Regional Park is crucial given the impacts of urban development in the northern corridor. The creation of the wallan wallan Regional Park is vital for the protection and restoration of wetlands contained in these grassy plains and the preservation of habitat for threatened species including the Growling Grass Frog, Latham’s Snipe and Golden Sun Moth.
With more frequent extreme climate weather events, it is critical that we flood-proof our communities when we have the opportunity to do so. The Regional Park will create a flood buffer for homes adjoining the creek corridor and it is important we do this preparation now and not wait until it is too late.
After Labor caved into the gas industry and not only dropped its promised reforms to Australia’s nature laws but then weakened them even further, it is clear Labor cannot be trusted to protect the environment.
The Greens have a long strong history of environmental activism and with more Greens in the parliament we can hold Labor to account, ensure they implement their promises and push them to go further.
Nothing changes if nothing changes and I will fight for the long term future of the natural environment in Wills.