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Write to Tasmania's Environment Minister about rivers

Tasmania has some of the most beautiful rivers on earth. These rivers are home to iconic wildlife such as the platypus, and yet they face immense threats and are in decline.

You can advocate for policy change that prioritises the protection of Tasmania's rivers through stronger environmental regulations and greater investment in conservation efforts, ensuring long-term riparian sustainability.

Join us in writing to Tasmania's Environment Minister to demand better care of our rivers from the Tasmanian Government.

Dear Minister Jaensch,

Tasmania has some of the most beautiful rivers on the planet. 

They give life to our world-class wilderness, our wildlife and our cities. They irrigate our farmland, providing food for both domestic consumption and export. They provide most of Tasmania’s electricity through a sophisticated hydro-electric scheme, and provide the very best fishing and recreation available. Tasmania’s rivers underpin the State’s tourism industry and fine food exports. 

Compared to the rest of Australia, Tasmania has an unusually high proportion of undisturbed rivers, however pressures are mounting and Tasmania’s rivers are in trouble.

The government’s own River Health Monitoring Program found up to 43 per cent of sites were classified as impaired. Meanwhile, many river flows have declined across the state. This is set to worsen as climate change impacts, such as dry seasons become increasingly common. 

Shockingly, outdated flow through systems from salmon hatcheries continue to pump dirty effluent into our rivers with little repercussions. Water quality is also impacted by runoff from agriculture and other land-based industries. 

I am writing to you to urge you to do the right thing and implement the following recommendations:

  1. Reduce pollution: Reducing pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, particularly salmon hatcheries, as well as from urban runoff, can help improve water quality in Tasmania's rivers. This can be achieved through better management practices, such as reducing the use of chemicals and fertilisers, improving wastewater treatment, and promoting responsible disposal of hazardous waste
  2. Protect riparian areas: Riparian areas are the areas of land adjacent to rivers, and they play an important role in maintaining healthy river ecosystems. Protecting these areas through measures such as zoning regulations and land conservation can help preserve water quality and maintain habitats for wildlife.
  3. Promote responsible recreation: Recreation activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming can have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Promoting responsible recreation through measures such as educating the public on Leave No Trace principles, enforcing regulations, and limiting access to sensitive areas can help protect these ecosystems.
  4. Support scientific research: Scientific research can help us better understand the complex relationships between rivers, ecosystems, and human activities. Supporting research on river ecology, hydrology, and water quality can help inform conservation efforts and improve our ability to protect Tasmania's rivers.

 Protecting Tasmania's rivers is crucial for preserving healthy ecosystems and the benefits they provide to the environment, wildlife, and local communities. 

Thank you and I look forward to hearing how you will make the health of Tasmania's rivers a matter of priority now.

Sincerely,

 

Who's signing
Peter Baker

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