- Hon Pierre Yang MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Water has been appointed as the new Chair of the Vasse Taskforce
- Vasse Taskforce to continue the important work of managing the waterways of the Geographe Bay catchment
- Outgoing Chair, Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis, thanked for her valuable contribution
Water Minister Simone McGurk has announced the appointment of North Metropolitan MLC Pierre Yang as the new Chair of the Vasse Taskforce.
Mr Yang will lead the important work being conducted by the Vasse Taskforce, reaffirming the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to managing the health of the Geographe waterways.
The Vasse Taskforce oversees the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program which aims to improve the water quality, health and management of Geographe waterways. This program is part of the $25 million Healthy Estuaries WA program funded by the McGowan Government.
The main objective of the Vasse Taskforce is to manage the health of Geographe waterways, in response to increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen from both urban and agricultural land uses.
The Revitalising Geographe Waterways program is centred on a model that connects Government agencies, scientists and the community to tackle the complex water quality issues of the Geographe catchments.
Mr Yang will replace the outgoing Chair, Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis, who served in this role from December 2021 to April 2023.
As outgoing Chair, Minister Jarvis has today released the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program report, which highlights key achievements and progress of the program from 2020-22. To view the report, please visit rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au/rgw-publications/.
For more information on the Vasse Taskforce, please visit: rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au/about-vasse-taskforce/.
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"As the Geographe region grows so does the pressure put on our waterways in the catchment. We must work together to manage the impacts on these resources so that we can continue to improve the health of these important waterways.
"I'd like to thank Minister Jarvis for her commitment to improving the health of waterways across the Geographe Catchment and utilising her experience in the region to help inform the taskforce during her time as Chair.
"I welcome Pierre Yang into the role and look forward to seeing him guide the Vasse Taskforce in taking the next steps in the management and restoration of these vital waterways."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"I congratulate Pierre on his appointment to the position and am confident his energy and commitment to delivering positive outcomes will serve the Vasse Taskforce well in overseeing the management of Geographe waterways.
"As outgoing Vasse Taskforce Chair, I am pleased to launch the 2020-22 Report on Activities for the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program which showcases the work of Vasse Taskforce partners to improve water quality.
"I wish the Vasse Taskforce continued success in their ongoing oversight of water quality management in the Geographe catchment."
As stated by North Metropolitan Region MLC Pierre Yang:
"I am looking forward to this important opportunity to lead the Vasse Taskforce, which has an integral role in managing the health of the Vasse Wonnerup estuary and its tributaries.
"I would also like to thank the Outgoing Chair, Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis for her leadership of the Vasse Taskforce since 2021, and for her contribution to improving water quality and waterways health in the Geographe region.
"As the new Chair, I aim to continue to build on the work achieved by Minister Jarvis and ensure that the taskforce continues to proactively manage the ongoing challenges of improving the health of our precious Geographe waterways."
