Protection For Botany Bay
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday November 14, 2001
Botany Bay's history of exploitation and neglect dates from when the First Fleet raised its anchors and sailed north to the more enticing Port Jackson in 1788. Half of Sydney's population of more than 4 million live in the catchment and Sydney Airport and the state's largest container and crude oil ports are located on the shores of the bay.
Today, the Carr Government is to begin turning the tide on that record of indifference by invoking a regional management plan to control development, improve water quality and protect the ecology of the estuary, which is fed by the Georges, Cooks and Woronora rivers. The scheme represents the Government's response to a report two months ago by the Healthy Rivers Commission.
The Minister for the Environment, Bob Debus, said Botany Bay suffered from ad hoc planning and management across all tiers of government.
The strategy aims to protect wetlands in Rockdale, considered important to wading birds and young fish, create a new reserve along O'Hares Creek and improve management of Crown land.
As well, entities such as councils and public landowners such as the Roads and Traffic Authority will be forced to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff and litter, and to control weeds.
The Healthy Rivers Commission recommended preserving Commonwealth foreshore lands and banning clay mining in undisturbed areas of wetlands.
It advocated a review of sandmining on the Kurnell Peninsula and preserving its remaining natural areas.
The commission also wants councils to be allowed to raise special rates to pay for their environmental management responsibilities.
A committee of representatives from the three levels of government, business, transport, environmental and leisure groups will be charged with drawing up the Government's strategic plan.
© 2001 Sydney Morning Herald
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