Tuesday, 2 May 2023

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (14:46): In April I was invited to the launch of the Gardiners Creek, or KooyongKoot, regional collaboration, along with a number of my colleagues from this chamber and the other place, I will note. This venture sees traditional owners, community groups, biodiversity campaigners, local councils and government working together to restore and maintain this beautiful and essential ecosystem. The Gardiners Creek – KooyongKoot – catchment covers more than 100 square kilometres and is full to bursting with biodiversity hotspots, precious ecological homes to original Australian habitat. The catchment contains picturesque parklands and open green spaces which are used for recreation, exercise and sports. KooyongKoot is as important for the community who use it as it is for the wildlife and plant species that live within it.

Unfortunately, the catchment is suffering. Urbanisation has seen canopy coverage and water quality reduced substantially. Ecosystems are isolated from one another and too contained to flourish. Of course these issues are all being exacerbated by climate change. Substantial work is needed to restore the catchment. The regional collaboration will work together to foster ecosystems, restore and expand green spaces and where possible build in climate resilience. It was inspiring to see the community’s enthusiasm and energy for this, and I highly commend the work of all groups involved.