Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to table a petition which has been certified by the Standing Committee on Petitions.

The petition read as follows—

In 1998, CSIRO's Dr. Graeme Harris warned that the Gippsland Lakes would be "stuffed" unless phosphorus (P) loads were reduced. A plan was implemented to cut P by 40% to prevent toxic algal blooms. Since then, conditions have worsened. Declining freshwater inflows and entrance deepening have made nitrogen (N) the limiting nutrient, yet water quality monitoring remains unreliable. Key impacts since 1998 include:—Loss of stabilizing fringing vegetation, increasing erosion.—Declining black bream and mullet populations.—PFAS contamination threatening species like the Burrunan dolphin.—Nine toxic algal blooms and major fish kills in 20 years.—Invasive marine species threatening deeper ecosystems.—Heavy metal pollution in the food chain. It's been 26 years since the last audit, and an updated, independent CSIRO assessment is critical to guide restoration efforts.

We therefore ask the House to conduct a new CSIRO audit to ensure the future of the iconic Gippsland Lakes system.

From 941 citizens (Petition No. EN7256)

Petition received.

This petition by concerned Australians calls for an independent environmental audit of the Gippsland lakes. This is long overdue. The last audit was undertaken by the CSIRO in 1998, and this is a dynamic system which is subject to a range of external impacts and influences. I've previously described the Gippsland lakes as the Great Barrier Reef of the south, such is their importance to my region.

Just for context, the Gippsland lakes are an impressive coastal lagoon system, and their value to my region cannot be overestimated. Socially, economically, environmentally and culturally, we have an obligation to care for these Ramsar listed wetlands, and I'm concerned that we're failing our future generations. It's the environmental future of the lakes and the rivers in my region which causes me and the Friends of the Gippsland Lakes the most concern, and the ongoing failure to properly measure, manage and take practical action to improve water quality, reduce the impacts of pests and ensure the lakes are passed on to future generations.

Managing the lakes is, like most natural resources issues, primarily a state government responsibility. What do we do when a state like Victoria continually fails to meet its responsibilities? An independent audit like this would provide an effective stocktake of the condition of the lakes. I commend the petitioners for their work, and I'll continue to advocate on their behalf for a complete environmental audit of the Gippsland lakes.

See this speech in context