NSW: Plan released to protect 300 Sydney wetlands

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2001
NSW: Plan released to protect 300 Sydney wetlands

SYDNEY, April 12 AAP - A plan to protect and conserve Sydney wetlands was launched
today by federal Environment Minister Robert Hill.

Designed by 16 local councils under the banner of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group
(SCCG), it was developed with a $36,000-grant under the federal government's Natural Heritage
Trust.

Launching the plan, Senator Hill said there were 300 wetlands remaining in Sydney in
various states of repair.

They had traditionally been regarded as a "nuisance", he said.

"Not only are they the birthplace and the nursery of so much of the life system of
the whole plains but they are also essential in keeping that natural system healthy,"

Senator Hill said.

"Unless you protect the health of your natural resource base everything else will be lost.

"I would like to see ... a mechanism whereby the State Government will adopt these
plans within its planning process so that they then become binding on local and other
authorities."

Including councils from Pittwater to Sutherland, the SCCG already has committed to
adopting the plan for about 90 wetland areas.

Other councils covering 210 wetlands in the Sydney region have also indicated support
for adopting the plan.

AAP las/rp/mg

KEYWORD: WETLANDS

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