A re-elected Morrison Government will invest in a major environmental package in Boothby, in Adelaide.
Minister for Environment, Sussan Ley, announced the Greening Boothby package during a visit to the area today with the local Liberal candidate, Dr Rachel Swift.
“The centrepiece of Greening Boothby is an expansion of the Glenelg Reef in Adelaide’s premier beachside location and establishment of a new reef at Marino/Kingston Park,” Minister Ley said.
“These reefs are really important investments in our coast. They help increase fish populations and purify water, whilst also giving a boost to local economy as they increase tourism, especially those keen on diving and exploring these amazing underwater treasures.
“This reef investment in Boothby follows the success of the Government’s $20 million Reef Builder Program, delivered by the Nature Conservancy, which was designed to help bushfire and COVID-19-affected coastal communities to restore marine ecosystems.
“Greening Boothby is a comprehensive package of investments which will enhance the local environment. It includes $300,000 for the City of Mitcham to expand its existing tree canopy project,” the Minister said.
“This funding will provide an additional 400 trees, keeping temperatures down, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff and providing habitats for our wildlife.”
In addition, Greening Boothby will include:
• $2.6 million for Sturt River Linear Park Upgrades including removal of invasive trees and revegetation to help native species establish new habitats and, ultimately, the potential to reintroduce platypuses, new bikeways and biodiversity corridors and a new trailhead from Flinders University;
• $1 million for significant upgrades at Wittunga Botanic Gardens in Eden Hills including walking trails, plant collection maintenance and interpretative signage;
• $50,000 for weed control, revegetation, improved fencing and access in the Marino Conservation Park;
• $90,000 for weed control, revegetation and improved recreational facilities in the Shepherds Hill and Brownhill Creek Recreation Parks.
Along with SA Liberal leader David Speirs, candidate for Boothby, Dr Rachel Swift, welcomed the announcement saying it was a major boost for the Boothby environment.
“Since I became the Liberal candidate for Boothby almost a year ago I have been talking to my federal colleagues and have had a great response, especially from the Environment Minister and I thank her for coming today to unveil this package,” Ms Swift said.
“I was raised in a family where the environment, soils and science were discussed around the dinner table and I know just how important these projects will be to the people of Boothby.
“Greening Boothby lays the foundation for a lasting legacy for our local area and are a tangible demonstration of how the Government’s strong economy can provide lasting benefits for an even stronger future.”
