The South West is one of only 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots. For millennia, the region was isolated from the rest of Australia by vast central deserts, resulting in significant endemic plant species unique to the area. Our forests, woodlands, shrublands and heaths are also home to a wide variety of reptile species. Today, less than 30 per cent of the South West's original vegetation remains due to the impacts of mining, population growth and agricultural expansion. We have a responsibility to protect this precious environment for our kids and grandkids.
We can have a strong local economy without destroying our unique and much-loved natural environments. All it requires is a commitment to evidence-based solutions and honest, collaborative leadership. When local communities are ignored and silenced to allow developers to bulldoze ancient bushland, you know our environmental laws are broken.
As your Independent MP, I will work constructively with all tiers of government to:
- Prevent unnecessary clearing of native vegetation
- Uphold international agreements with emissions reduction targets and environmental protection goals
- Ensure the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects are minimised and their community benefits are maximised
- Support farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices through local Sustainable Agricultural Facilitators.
- Advocate for waste minimisation, recycling and building sustainable circular economies of scale
- Encourage regenerative farming techniques and farm diversification
- Avoid opening up new offshore gas fields and fracking
- Ensure effective environmental rehabilitation and restoration of mining sites
Together, we can do politics differently by caring for the environment and ensuring our communities thrive.
Help me secure a resilient and sustainable long-term future for Forrest by getting involved here.