Shooters Party on COROWA MURRAY RIVER DE-SNAGGING WORKS

[SideCast]

Hansard 23rd Oct

FISH HABITAT DEGRADATION
Page: 3020


The Hon. ROBERT BROWN: My question is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries. The Minister probably is aware that in the latest edition of Prime Facts, the Department of Primary Industries newsletter dated September 2007, confirms that the Lower Murray River aquatic ecological community now is listed as endangered and attracts heavy penalties for those who harm it. The Minister would understand that one of the most significant causes of fish habitat degradation has been the removal of snags from river channels. I raised this issue with the Minister last week, but now it has become urgent. I would be interested to know what action Fisheries has taken regarding reports of a developer clearing snags from four kilometres of the riverbank and whether, in fact, Fisheries has coordinated any inspection or compliance activities with officers of the Environment Protection Authority or the local council to halt this alleged vandalism?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I recognise that large woody debris is a significant ecological and structural component of streams and rivers and forms essential habitat for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Indeed, the removal of large woody debris from New South Wales rivers and streams has been listed as a key threatening process under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Action is required to manage the key threatening process identified within a threat abatement plan. These plans identify responsible persons or public authorities for each action. The successful implementation of threat abatement plans is dependent on the assistance and cooperation of public authorities, local councils and the community. I am advised that New South Wales Department of Primary Industries staff investigated the issue in question last week and found only a small amount of work had been undertaken by the developer at that time.

I understand that the local council gave consent for the development by way of a development application that included conditions regarding the protection of riverbank vegetation. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is currently working with the local council to determine if a breach of the approved conditions has occurred. I am assured that if a breach has occurred, appropriate action will be taken. The New South Wales Government is committed to maintaining river habitat. This is highlighted by a number of projects currently under way to resnag stretches of the Murray River. The New South Wales Government will work to ensure that public authorities give closer consideration to key threatening processes in assessing future development applications. I will await the report on whether council approval has been breached.

Hansard - 6th Nov

COROWA MURRAY RIVER DE-SNAGGING WORKS
Page: 3500


The Hon. ROBERT BROWN: My question is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries. It relates to an investigation the Department of Primary Industries launched two weeks ago into allegations of improper de-snagging works associated with the development of an ecotourist facility at Corowa. An immediate stop-work order was issued on 26 October by the department?and the Minister's lightning action is to be congratulated. Is the Minister aware that television coverage aired last night on regional television showed the extent of the damage to be far more extensive than that shown in still photographs taken by members of the Southern Riverina Hunting Club? Given the gravity of the situation, could the Minister update the House on what the investigations have so far turned up?

The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: I am advised that the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries has issued a stop-work order. The area under investigation involves a three- to four-kilometre section of the Murray River and two nearby creeks. The order states that all de-snagging works must cease immediately and that any snags removed not be touched. I understand that although Corowa Shire Council issued development consent in May this year, it included strict conditions that no snags were to be moved, relocated or removed without consultation with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.

All illegal works are looked upon very seriously and a full investigation is now being carried out. People or groups found to be in breach of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 in this way could face prosecution. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is continuing to work closely with the council and other natural resource management agencies in the area during the investigation. A key outcome currently sought by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is the remediation of the site to ensure that fish habitat is reinstated in the area of the alleged works while the investigation continues.

[Monty]

It is good to see us fishermen have The Shooters Party in the upper house to keep the government on their toes. I recon if this was not bought up to Ian Macdonald so it was reported and on record it would have taken much longer for authorities to act.

This is the interesting bit

I am advised that New South Wales Department of Primary Industries staff investigated the issue in question last week and found only a small amount of work had been undertaken by the developer at that time.

Once the photos of the enormous amount of damge done were presented buy the shooters party action occured. I believe the inspector who reported the "small amount of work" could be under some scrutiny.

In the second hansard the facts have come out and action has occured.

The area under investigation involves a three- to four-kilometre section of the Murray River and two nearby creeks. The order states that all de-snagging works must cease immediately and that any snags removed not be touched.

It is vital any fishermen who see any damage report it imediatly. I live near the area this occured and am sure hundreds of river users would have seen what was going on and not reported it. Thankfuly a very concensous fisherman did report it and hopefuly the damage will be repaired.