Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Richard RIORDAN (Polwarth) (14:51): (1424) My question this afternoon is for the Minister for Environment, and the question I have for the minister is: when will the government be taking action on the recommendations in the 2023 CDM Smith report on the Anglesea estuary? The Anglesea River and estuary is a vital part of the economic fabric of the Anglesea and Surf Coast community. It provides among the largest outdoor nature-based recreation businesses and services for school-based camps and other things – Go Ride A Wave and all sorts of activities. It is also a wonderful place for recreation, paddleboats, fishing and swimming. But it is at huge risk because of the recent changes brought about over time with the closure of the Anglesea coalmine and other man-made changes to the river system. This river is in crisis at the moment. It is now devoid of fish, filling rapidly with mosquitoes and devaluing the quality of life and economic value of the Anglesea community.