Hawkesbury–Nepean River Gets a Much Needed Helping Hand

Wednesday, 08 October 2008 21:37

“The river system needs all the help it can get and certainly multiple and conflicting agencies have not helped.  There have been attempts to solve this problem before through plans, strategies and committees, but hopefully this new arrangement can break through the barriers,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

The office, opening in Penrith in March 2009, will focus on coordinated management of the river’s health and future developments, as well as its various garden, oyster and tourism industries, and provide a point of call for members of the local community.

The premier also announced a new $29 million program to aid the river’s health by improving 15 weirs along the river to allow fish passage and new and improved environmental flows.

"It will be important that the Office ensures river health is the overriding priority and not just an optional extra.  Inconsistent decisions from government about the health of the river system would harm not only future environmental progress, but also the government's credibility,” stated Mr. Angel.

“It will also be essential that the Office issues milestones for action so that it is not just managing process but pushing the boundaries to get worth while environmental results.”