Media Statement
Recfishwest applauds action plan on river-harming fertilisers

October 2006

Recfishwest today applauded the plan by government and Environment Minister, Mark McGowan to abolish the use of water soluble phosphate fertilisers and the assistance of fertiliser companies to meet this goal.

The Executive Director of Recfishwest, Mr Frank Prokop said "Western Australia's estuaries and rivers have suffered from many years of nutrient overloading and this decision is an important step in the right direction."

"It has almost become an annual event that the Swan and Canning Rivers are faced with algal bloom related fish kills as the first nutrient rich run-off enters the rivers at the end of summer," Mr Prokop said.

The Swan and Canning Rivers is a highly valued commodity for recreational fishers, with the fishing opportunities it provides on the door-step of a major city unrivalled any where else in the world.

"If the residents of Perth unknowingly continue to poison the Swan and Canning River with these water soluble fertilisers, the impacts could have been irreversible. At least now the Swan and Canning Rivers have a chance as a result of this decision", Mr Prokop said.

Recfishwest has had a long association with the protection of the Swan and Canning Rivers, being heavily involved in the stocking of 200,000 black bream after a major fish kill in 1997 and continually advocating for projects such as the City of Melville storm water run-off traps and the City of Maylands habitat enhancement project.

Recfishwest also commends the Minister for looking at other areas in trouble such as the Peel-Harvey estuary.

Recfishwest looks forward to the release of the action plan and working with the Environment Minister to improve the health of the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Peel-Harvey estuary.

Recfishwest acknowledges that it will take a long time to solve the problems in the south-west, but is very pleased that the journey is starting with definitive steps to turn the tide.

ENDS

Media Contact
Frank Prokop, Executive Director - Recfishwest 9246 3366 or 0419 949 118.

Recfishwest is sponsored by Healthway. Recfishwest encourages responsible, Sunsmart behaviour at all times.




This page last updated on 10 October 2006.