THE HON GED KEARNEY MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE
MEMBER FOR COOPER

PETER KHALIL MP
MEMBER FOR WILLS

KATE THWAITES MP
MEMBER FOR JAGAJAGA

An elected Labor Government will invest $1 million across the Darebin Creek and Merri Creek to plant more trees, clear up rubbish, and encourage more animals, such as the platypus, back to these urban waterways and habitats.

This $1 million package will help to protect these creeks for future generations and help create a haven of biodiversity in our inner city.

Labor will give $500,000 funding to the Darebin Creek Management Committee to continue important restoration work, including with Indigenous Rangers who are currently undertaking cultural burning to protect the creek.

The $500,000 in funding for the Merri Creek Management Committee will contribute to crucial works, protecting the waterway and planting more trees and protecting native vegetation.

Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and one quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas. That’s why Labor is acting to protect and restore our creeks so that we can help protect these vulnerable species, such as the platypus.

Labor will also invest in First Nations’ conservation of our land and waters by doubling the number of Indigenous Rangers and boosting funding for Indigenous Protected Areas by $10 million a year.

Our creeks and adjoining parkland are important places for people to get together for picnics and children’s birthday parties, they’re where we teach our kids to ride their bikes– and recently they became even more precious during times of lockdown. Only Labor will deliver on protecting these important assets.

Quotes attributable to Member for Cooper Ged Kearney MP:

“Protecting our waterways is good for animals, it’s good for our environment and it’s good for humans. It means our native animals can return to their urban habitats while we also get to have beautiful nature so close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wills Peter Khalil MP:

“The Merri Creek is such an important part of our community, a place where we can spend time with family and friends, exercise, connect with country and learn about our natural environment. This commitment will help locals enjoy the Merri Creek.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites MP:

“The Darebin Creek is much-loved by local families and all residents. It is a place where people gather together to enjoy nature and teach their kids the importance of protecting the environment.”

MEDIA CONTACT FOR GED KEARNEY MP

LAURA SÖDERLIND | 0427 941 370

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.