Media Statement
Recfishwest calls for Environmental Summit to save our rivers.

16 June 2003

Recfishwest today called on the government to establish an environmental summit to address the ongoing problems for Western Australia's rivers and estuaries.

Executive Director, Frank Prokop explained that there have been many suggestions on how to improve the Swan and other rivers but there was a lack of coordination and commitment to act.

"It is time for government and the community to work together to examine the critical issues facing our rivers and work towards real and meaningful solutions." Mr Prokop said. "Too often we have a variety of government departments pointing out problems but then saying that they are either under-resourced or not actually responsible for fixing the problem."

"While the problems are most prominent in the Swan-Canning system, all the streams, rivers and estuaries from Esperance to Geraldton are coming under increasing pressure. A summit will allow all stakeholders in partnership to identify problems, develop solutions and then take responsibility for their implementation."

Recfishwest believes that the summit should include community, conservation and fishing groups, and local state and federal government representative. The cost will be minimal compared to the cost of cleaning up our rivers if they become permanently toxic.

Mr Prokop called on the government to express its commitment to the aquatic and riverside environments with the "South-west Riparian, River and Estuary Environmental Summit". The summit should be held this spring so that action can be commenced well before next winter's rains.

"This government has an opportunity to re-establish its environmental credentials with the people of this state through a transparent summit. They have an obligation to the next generation to make sure that the critical aquatic habitats are sustainable. Otherwise Perth will also vie for the title of the city with the dirtiest river." Mr Prokop concluded.



This page last updated on 30 December 2003.