A joint program by the ACT and Federal Governments to improve the quality of the ACT’s waterways has reached its conclusion.
The program has covered 20 healthy waterways projects in its $93.5 million initiative.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman and ACT Senator Zed Seselja marked the completion of the program by announcing additional University of Canberra research to inform management of water quality in Lake Tuggeranong.
Senator Seselja said the $85 million Federal Government allocation was crucial for the ACT and the Murray-Darling Basin and water management generally.
“This project represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to significantly improve water quality in the ACT’s lakes, as well as the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers and the broader Murray-Darling Basin,” Senator Seselja said.
“Projects such as this are only possible because of our strong economy and I’m very proud to have been able deliver this funding for Canberra.”
Mr Gentleman said the 20 projects represented the biggest footprint of any water quality infrastructure initiative undertaken in the ACT and were filtering pollutants from stormwater.
“These projects are world leaders in terms of size and scope, Mr Gentleman said.
“The Isabella Plains rain garden (pictured), for example, is the largest in the southern hemisphere,” he said.
“Over the next two years the community will see the assets settle into their environment as over half a million plants grow in, helping to filter the water and beautify the surrounds.”
