Media Release - State Government Reduces Funding to River Trusts

Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo is calling on the Queensland State Government to reverse its decision to reduce funding to the Herbert River Improvement Trust (HRIT) claiming the decision to be out of touch with actions by other levels of Government.

‘Here we have the Federal Government working in close partnership with Council and landowners to improve water quality in terms of reef protection by mitigating against sediment flow, and the State Government is reducing its commitment.’

‘Agriculture along the coast is blamed for sediment occurring on the reef, but I do not accept that insofar as the Herbert Valley is concerned.  There is no erosion happening from our cane fields and I challenge any scientist on that.  Everybody knows that the main source of sediment exposure is from stream erosion, particularly the collapsing river banks.  That’s the problem.  There is no loss occurring from paddocks,’ Cr Jayo said.

The HRIT funded by Hinchinbrook Shire Council, State Government and adjoining landowners has been steadfastly working towards remediating stream erosion.

‘If the State cuts funding for river improvement works, this will curtail the Trust’s capacity to carry out work considerably and I am calling upon the Minster for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to reverse this decision immediately.’

‘I will be taking this matter up with the Federal Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in terms of ongoing action as part of the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. Remediation of our river systems is of great importance and is a matter much greater than what the Trust, Council or landholders can manage on their own.’

Image: Examples of eroding river bank along the Hebert River