A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $300,000 to trial artificial reef construction in Geographe Bay under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Programme.
The investment is part of the Coalition’s policy to support our local communities and environments by investing in the parks, nature reserves, coastal and river area.
The artificial reef construction project will see additional concrete substructure placed in the Geographe Bay off Bunbury and Busselton to allow for coral development and the enhancement of fish species, working in conjunction with the state government.
Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino, said a local working group would work with stakeholders including the West Australian State Government and local environmental managers to determine the best way to develop a sustainable reef building program.
“Our aim is the gradual development of reef substructure that will allow reef to grow sustainably into the future without negatively impacting on the existing Geographe environment,” Ms Marino said.
“This will involve determining the best depths and locations to allow reef growth.”
The Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Programme supports local councils, community groups, environment groups and others to undertake revitalisation, maintenance, management and improvement works at local parks, nature reserves, rivers, coastal areas and community facilities, and build awareness to reduce littering and marine debris.
“We will work with the state and local government, local residents and community groups in the final design of the project,” Minister Hunt said.
“Nola Marino is a great local member who should be congratulated for advocating so strongly for the artificial reef project.”
The Coalition has a strong suite of practical environment policies that improve local environments and deliver tangible results.