More than $2.3 million to deliver key projects under Vasse Geographe Strategy
Partnership agreements signed between Liberal National Government and partners
Made possible by Royalties for Regions
Critical on-ground works to improve the health of Vasse Geographe's waterways will begin after partnership agreements releasing more than $2.3 million in funding were signed today.
Water Minister Mia Davies was joined by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman and Environment Minister Albert Jacob to witness the signing between the Department of Water with GeoCatch ($2.052 million), the City of Busselton ($175,000) and the Department of Parks and Wildlife ($128,000).
"We've had a lot of support from the community, local government and agency partners since we formed the Vasse Taskforce, and our partners have stepped up to deliver on the Liberal National Government's commitment to the Vasse Geographe Strategy," Ms Davies said.
"The funds released today are from the $7.15 million State Government Royalties for Regions investment to implement the Vasse Geographe Strategy that we announced in December 2015.
"The bulk of the funding will go to GeoCatch to commence initiatives to reduce nutrients entering catchments through improved fertiliser and dairy effluent management, and to lead the communications and community consultation for the strategy.
"The City of Busselton also funded $175,000 to develop water management plans for the Lower Vasse River and Toby Inlet, and the retrofitting of stormwater basins."
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the Department of Parks and Wildlife would use $128,000 to develop an operational plan for the Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands as a member of the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands partnership.
"The Vasse Geographe Strategy supports long-term protection of Geographe Bay and contributes to maintaining high water quality in the Vasse Wonnerup Ramsar wetlands and the Ngari Capes Marine Park," Mr Jacob said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the release of Royalties for Regions funding to partner agencies was a major step forward in implementing the strategy.
"Despite water quality issues caused from a century of land use, the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands system retains exceptional ecological values and is an asset to this community," Mr Redman said.
The Vasse Taskforce oversees the actions and initiatives under the Vasse Geographe Strategy to improve water quality and management of key water assets in the Vasse Geographe catchment.
Fact File
The Vasse Geographe waterways system is a complex network of rivers, coastal wetlands and estuaries stretching from Dunsborough, through Busselton, to Capel
Water quality has been gradually declining in catchment waterways for many years, affected by agricultural activity, population pressures and climate change
The strategy encompasses 30 projects across five integrated work areas
Water Minister's office - 6552 5500
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
