Tuesday, 11 April 2023
LOCAL State MP Adam Marshall has warmly welcomed a new nation-wide report which has given the Northern Tablelands electorate an overall environmental score of 9.7 out of 10, up from 9.5 in 2021.
Mr Marshall said the Commonwealth Government-funded Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the Australian National University recently released its Australia’s Environment in 2022 report, which details the condition and trajectory of natural resources and ecosystems.
“This report card gives our region a big green tick, with one of the highest ratings of any electorate in the State, which is extremely welcome news for our communities,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m particularly pleased the report details the increased levels of woody and native vegetation cover across our region, growing over the last few years, as well as the sharp reduction in the amount of unprotected, or erosion-prone, soil cover.
“More dense, healthy woodlands and a decrease in erosion are all good signs for the future of our region, which show those on the land are managing it well especially after the prolonged drought from 2017-2020. This compliments the vast areas of public land and conservation areas already set aside for environmental purposes.
“I’ve always championed our region’s farmers and land managers and fought for more funding and support for our local Landcare groups and volunteers, who have been doing some outstanding work across our region on private and public land.
“Those farmers and land managers deserve a huge pat on the back for their efforts, which have been vindicated by the data in this report.
“It also shows that the framework that farmers have been working under for the past few years and their on-farm practices are fit-for-purpose, as our region has turned into a $2 billion-dollar agricultural powerhouse while also conserving and improving the environment.”
To view the environment report card for the Northern Tablelands, visit
www.ausenv.online/aer_pdf/2022/SED_2019_AUST/Northern%20Tablelands.pdf
To take a look at the whole Australia’s Environment in 2022 report, please visit www.ausenv.online