Moncrieff Media
Federation Walk wetlands restoration project
30 July 2010
Depleted wetlands within the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve will thrive again through the work of the Coalition’s Green Army, says local MP Steven Ciobo.
Mr Ciobo was delighted to announce that the ambitious environmental project was confirmed for Green Army funding after his approach to Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
“Federation Walk is one of the natural treasures of my electorate, so of course I’m thrilled to make this commitment,” Mr Ciobo said.
“Restoring these wetlands is going to make The Spit an even more beautiful and interesting place to visit.”
The project will encompass the planting, expansion and recovery of several wetlands areas along Federation Walk in order to encourage migratory birds and boost biodiversity at the Broadwater.
Federal Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Mr Ciobo said that under a Coalition Government the initiative will become one of the first schemes in Australia to benefit from Green Army funding.
Mr Hunt said the Coalition’s Green Army will dedicate a full-time team of 10 young Australians and a project manager to the Federation Walk wetlands project for six months.
“This is a really positive program that will deliver significant training and experience for our emerging workforce in the vital area of environmental management,” Mr Hunt said.
Friends of Federation Walk president Lyn Wright said wetlands rejuvenation at The Spit was a top priority for her organisation.
“Bringing the wetlands back to life and presenting classic Australian coastal vegetation to the community has always been a part of vision for The Spit,” Mrs Wright said.
The 91ha Federation Walk Coastal Reserve at The Spit is the largest natural public open space on the Gold Coast and was opened in 2001.