Environmental Impacts of Climate Change and Population Growth
Population growth and climate change are creating the most stress on the state's environment, according to Queensland's third State of the Environment report released today. Releasing the third report card on the health of Queensland's environment, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said that since the previous reporting period ideas about sustainability and climate change have changed dramatically.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Population growth and climate change are creating the most stress on the state’s environment, according to Queensland’s third State of the Environment report released today.
Releasing the third report card on the health of Queensland’s environment, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said that since the previous reporting period ideas about sustainability and climate change have changed dramatically.
Mr McNamara said the Report noted that Queensland has a large and unique range of species, with almost half the species living here not found elsewhere in the world.
“This diverse range of species is under pressure from increased human activity and climate change.
“The Great Sandy Marine Park, which extends from Baffle Creek in the north to Double Island Point in the south, protects a broad range of the State’s habitats and wildlife.
“In this marine park, seagrass meadows, mangroves, rocky shores, reefs, sandy beaches, bays, sheltered channels, rivers, creeks and estuaries host a wealth of animals including whales, turtles, dugong, grey nurse sharks, fish, corals and birds.
“To counter habitat losses through land degradation and vegetation clearing, the Government, in partnership with land owners, has significantly boosted the number of Nature Refuges in the Wide Bay region.
“For instance, Tandora Wetland Nature Refuge covers 43 ha and is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Wide Bay Burnett region.
“Tandora is adjacent to the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park and forms part of a state significant bioregional wildlife corridor.
“Surrounded by an endangered fringing community of Casuarinas and Melaleucas, the Refuge provides suitable habitat for vulnerable glossy black cockatoo, rare grey goshawk, square-tailed kite, black-necked stork and black-chinned honeyeater.
“Freshwater swamps are important fish breeding habitat and roosting sites for migratory birds. “
Mr McNamara said the Report shows that increases in State Government subsidies have supported significant upgrades to wastewater treatment plants by local government in the Wide Bay region.
“By using advanced biological nutrient removal, filtration and recycling, these actions have resulted in a significant reduction of nutrients being released into Queensland’s waterways,” he said.
“The Queensland Government provides annual subsidies of $80 million to local government for water and sewage projects, made up of $15 million per annum under the Smaller Communities Assistance Program and $65 million per annum under the Water and Sewerage Program.”
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