Media Release: LAND AND BIODIVERSITY COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2008

LAND AND BIODIVERSITY COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Community workshops are being held throughout May across all Victorian regions to introduce the Brumby Government’s Land and Biodiversity Green Paper.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the community workshops will allow Victorians to provide feedback on the Land and Biodiversity Green Paper. A community workshop will be held in Mildura on Monday, 26 May, 2008 for the Mallee regional communities.

“Private sector investment in the environment and opportunities for business and farmers are key parts of the Land and Biodiversity Green Paper so it’s vital that the community has an opportunity to comment on it,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Land and Biodiversity Green Paper provides a framework for how Victorians will look after the environment over the next 50 years as the effects of climate change place further pressure on our biodiversity and ecosystems.

“The Green Paper’s vision is that all Victorians will participate in actively restoring and conserving our ecosystems to ensure healthy land, seas and waterways.

“The Brumby Government is ready to take action to meet the challenges faced by our regional communities, particularly those posed by climate change. We won’t let these regions be left behind as we address these important issues facing Victorians.

“One of the Green Paper’s outcomes is to ensure Victoria’s catchments, coasts and marine environments are underpinned by healthy ecosystems.”

Member for Northern Victoria Candy Broad MP said: “The productivity of our farmland is vulnerable to salinity, erosion, pests and weeds. So too is our biodiversity. Climate change will also place further pressure on our plants and animals.

“The Green Paper proposes to improve ecological connectivity helping to curb this problem. This will involve better linking habitat for our native species.

“Our parks, forests and patches of remnant vegetation will be used as the backbone for which further links will be created using voluntary programs.

“Across Victoria, there are many farmers and community members already contributing to this outcome but it is evident that more work is required by an increased number of people.

“There are already some great examples of work being done by landholders and community members and it is these small efforts that contribute to a healthier big picture.”

To register your interest in attending this workshop visit: www.dse.vic.gov.au/landwhitepaper. For more information phone DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.