Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Councils join forces to protect environment

The current health of Perth's metropolitan environment is the focus of a unique strategy launched recently by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC). The Regional Environmental Strategy Report required considerable effort, resources and coordination between EMRC and its member Councils, which cover about one third of the metropolitan area and about 250,000 residents.

The region includes the unique environmental features of the Swan River, Hills Catchment areas, National Parks and the Darling Scarp.

The launch was held to highlight the findings of the research and to gain further support for the environmental strategy through the introduction of the second phase of the project. The next stage will define future actions aimed at achieving sustainable communities that value and preserve the environmental, social and economic aspects that attribute to the uniqueness of the region.

Environment Minister, Cheryl Edwardes, has urged Councils to follow the lead of EMRC and join forces to tackle environmental issues. The Minister said EMRC's Regional Environmental Strategy reflects outstanding commitment to the environment.

"Coordinating a collective approach to something as complex as environmental management is a difficult task, and I congratulate EMRC member Councils for their perseverance and commitment ," she said.

Special guest, former Olympian and an environmental advocate, Shirley Strickland, presented her views on the significant importance for a safe environmental and social future.

Over 1,000 people living in the region, comprising the Cities of Bayswater, Belmont and Swan, the Shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring and the Town of Bassendean, were involved with the research and direction of the strategy. It is hoped that further funding from the National Heritage Trust will be granted to roll out the recommendations in the report.

For further information contact Elda Panozzo, telephone (08) 9479 4808.

The following articles are also included in this edition or go BACK to the main page: