A Coalition Government, if elected, will commit $1 million over two years to improve the environmental health of the River Torrens.
The funding is part of the Coalition’s Environment Policy and Clean Water Plan.
Senior South Australian Liberal Christopher Pyne and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham announced the Coalition’s River Torrens Recovery Programme with Liberal candidates Carmen Garcia for Adelaide and Matt Williams for Hindmarsh.
“The River Torrens is an iconic feature of Adelaide as well as a key habitat for a range of native plants and animals,” Mr Pyne said.
“The Torrens runs from the Adelaide Hills in Mayo down through the heart of Sturt, Adelaide and Hindmarsh. It is a popular haven for families, children and cyclists, especially on weekends. This $1 million commitment is sorely needed to ensure all residents can continue to enjoy the river for many generations to come.
“Carmen Garcia, Matt Williams and I have led the charge to secure this funding to help local environment groups work towards the recovery of the River Torrens.
“The River Torrens is under stress from urban population growth, water pollution and the loss of habitat for native species.”
The $1 million will be directed towards nutrient reduction and bank stabilisation. The detailed implementation will be developed under the guidance of a local steering group and local councils.
“As a South Australian, I appreciate the importance of the River Torrens to the city. We must constantly work on maintaining the river as it is subject to the challenges of flowing through a city, including algal bloom outbreaks,” Senator Birmingham said.
“This funding, together with the potential for local Green Army projects, will deliver real results by assisting with weed eradication, revegetation, practical community action and river awareness through local education.”