Along its journey to the sea, the mighty Murray River and its tributaries flow through forests unlike any other on the planet, the magnificent River Red Gum wetlands. The newly created River Red Gum parks are an outstanding conservation asset and it contains the largest remaining red gum forests on Earth. For good reason, these forest wetlands are often referred to as the 'The Kakadu of the South', providing the essential breeding and feeding habitats for many species of waterbirds, fish, invertebrates and plants. Species like the Intermediate Egret and Growling Grass Frog depend upon these forest wetlands having enough water. But vast areas are dying because in most years natural floodwaters no longer reach them. One wet winter won't solve the crisis they are facing. Recent rains will not be enough to keep wetlands and threatened species healthy over the long term. As long as the Victorian Government fails to act to secure large amounts of environmental water, the health of these River Red Gum parks will continue to decline. A healthy river needs healthy forests. Both need adequate water. Proper management of these new parks is essential to secure their status as an asset for the environment and for the Victorian community. This means guaranteeing delivery of adequate environmental water to the River Red Gum forests, rivers and wetlands. I'm calling on you to provide a reliable allocation of water for the new River Red Gum parks, guaranteed for delivery from 2012. Will you secure and deliver this water? |
