GREEN TICK ON ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT CARD

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has welcomed a new report which has given the Kiama Electorate an overall environmental score of 8.8 out of 10, up from 7.5 in 2021.

Mr Ward said that the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the Australian National University recently released ‘Australia’s Environment in 2022’. This annual report aims to provide factual information on the condition and trajectory of our natural resources and ecosystems.

The report is based on analysis and interpretation of a large volume of satellite, station and survey data. It comes in different forms: a national summary report, environmental scorecards for all regions across Australia and an interactive data explorer.

All can be accessed via http://www.ausenv.online.

Download the environmental scorecard for the Kiama electorate at: https://ausenv.online/aer_pdf/2022/SED_2019_AUST/Kiama.pdf

Kiama Electorate area: 1,303 km²

Climate indicators averages for 2000-2022 Precipitation: 1208 mm per year

Days over 35°C: 0.7 per year   Days with frost: 0 per year

Land use: Natural environments (44%), Grazing on modified pasture (27%), Grazing on native pasture (17%) Tree cover: 0.07 Mha or 51.9% (2022)

“This environmental report card is a big green tick – which is extremely welcome news for our local communities,” Mr Ward said.

“As a conservationist, I am committed to fighting to protect our public open green spaces right across the Kiama electorate such as Hindmarsh Park in Kiama, supporting the important work of our local Landcare volunteers and fighting to keep our pristine region and beautiful coastline at the top of the environmental ladder.

“This glowing environmental report card comes on top of Kiama winning best small towns in NSW according to a study conducted by The Australian newspaper.

“It looked at 752 small towns across Australia and ranked the best ones in each State, with Kiama ranked number one in New South Wales.

“Website thetravel.com has just named Berry the most beautiful town in NSW. 

“This is such a huge compliment and reward not just for Kiama and Berry, but for the many hardworking and dedicated local tourism operators, our local hospitality venues and their staff, and the local small and family-owned businesses across our community.

“So this latest environmental report card provides even more good news for our region and as your local MP, I will continue to protect and preserve our public open green spaces for our future generations to enjoy,” Mr Ward concluded.