An Albanese Labor Government will work with community groups in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, to fix up our local waterways - restoring precious habitat and creating valuable recreational spaces for local communities.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program will provide grants for community groups, local and state government to fund projects which deliver improvements to water quality and the local environment, create improved open spaces for kids and families to enjoy and create local jobs.

“Our parks and reserves provide a place for people to get together for picnics and children’s birthday parties, they are where we teach our kids to ride their bikes and walk the dog,” Mr Neumann said.

“Many rivers in urban and peri-urban areas across Australia have been treated more like stormwater drains over the years, but there are local community groups right across the country who are working to turn that around.

“Fixing up our waterways and the catchment areas around them will give people access to a better quality of living, helping to make public spaces healthy and pollution-free so they can be enjoyed by kids and families.

“I look forward to working with my community to advocate for local projects, under Labor’s plan.  including our local Landcare groups, Lion’s clubs and all those involved in protecting and restoring the local waterways.”

Labor’s $200 million program will help fund that work to make an even bigger impact, including by:

• Creating wetlands to slow water flow and filter stormwater before it reaches our rivers
• Citizen science and education projects for pre-schoolers and school age children
• Removing cement walls and returning them to natural riverbanks
• Revegetation and tree planting

Mr Neumann said community groups and local governments will be able to propose projects for priority consideration.

“I want to encourage local community groups which have ideas for a project to contact my office.”