NEW CONTACT POINT FOR LOWER LAKES COMMUNITIES
Friday, 4 December 2009
A new information centre to keep local communities up to date with work being undertaken at the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth has been launched by the State Government today.
The Lakes Hub at Milang is an initiative of the Milang Progress Association, and is being funded through the Federal Government’s $10 million Lower Lakes Bioremediation and Revegetation Project, being administered by the State Government.
Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill, who officially launched the Lakes Hub today, said it would be a central information point for the region’s communities.
“The Lakes Hub will provide information to the community about the bioremediation and revegetation project for the Lower Lakes,” Mr Weatherill said.
“It also will co-ordinate the community nurseries program, through which local community nurseries are growing native plants for the revegetation project.
“The hub will provide local training opportunities as part our collaborative effort to ensure a sustainable future for the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth.
“Drought and overuse of water upstream has left large tracts of the Lakes exposed.
“While what the region needs most is our fair share of River Murray Water, we’re continuing to do what we can to restore the Lower Lakes to health and the Lakes Hub will be a key part of our efforts.”
The $220,000 Lakes Hub and nurseries project are important investments in local jobs, with a Hub co-ordinator and Community Nurseries co-ordinator employed from the local community.
“Direct community involvement in recovery projects is a major focus of the Federal Government’s $10 million project, and the establishment of the Lakes Hub is a significant milestone,” Mr Weatherill said. “The State Government sees The Hub as a base for future community engagement activities in the region, and as way of sharing information between government and the community.”
President of the Milang Progress Association, Mike Linscott said he applauded the Government’s initiative to involve the Lakes community not only in the establishment of The Hub, but also in developing the community nurseries.
“It shows the Government is continuing to support the community through very difficult times. We look forward to continuing support and development of the program,” Mr Linscott said.