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Media release

LIA set to tackle Climate Change

Wednesday 2 May 2007

 The Lake Illawarra Chairman, Doug Prosser, has welcomed the creation of the new Department of Environment and Climate Change announced by the Hon Phil Koperberg MP to combat climate change.

 Mr Prosser said he was looking forward to working under the guidance of the new Department to tackle what will be a major environmental and planning issue for the future of Lake Illawarra.

 “Back in 1987, the Authority was set up to repair the environmental damage that had occurred to the lake over decades – now we need to continue this work and confront the challenges posed to the Lake’s ecology by climate change,” Mr Prosser said.

 “Up until now the activities of the Authority have focused on restoring the environment of the lake.”

 “At the same time we recognised the value that the local community places on the lake as an important recreational and tourist resource for the people of Wollongong and Shellharbour.”

 “Today there is a much greater awareness in the local community about the environmental value of the lake and the potential threats posed by climate change.

 The lake is already under stress from increased development pressure,” he said.

 Mr Prosser said that climate change is expected to add to this stress and it is clear that there will be considerable ecological impact on vulnerable coastal lakes such as Lake Illawarra.

 “I see it as a responsibility of the Authority to understand the nature of the likely impacts and convey this information to the community.

 “There will inevitably be flow on effects for the community, particularly those in low lying areas and dependant on the lake for their livelihood.

 “Some of the anticipated impacts on the Lake will include the inundation of low lying foreshores and the important saltmarsh and wetland areas that have been the focus of our restoration efforts,” Mr Prosser said.

“The predicted higher temperatures may change the frequency and severity of algal blooms that have been a problem in the past.

 We will also see changes in seagrass distribution and fish populations.”

 Mr Prosser said it is clear that the LIA needs to plan how we can adapt to these changes and ensure that the natural systems and the community can accommodate the risks and costs associated with climate change.

 “Being part of the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water’s portfolio provides the Authority with an ideal opportunity to meet the challenges posed by climate change with immediate access to support from the State’s leading experts in biodiversity, coastal management and climate change.  Support from these experts will be vital to the future of Lake Illawarra.

 This is a great outcome for the lake and the Illawarra,” he said.

Media contact: Doug Prosser                  Phone: 02 4261 1342   Mobile: 0419 243 600