Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced the appointment of Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC as the new Chair of the Vasse Taskforce.
Ms Jarvis' appointment will ensure the continuation of the Taskforce's important work, reaffirming the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges still facing the health of the Geographe waterways.
Ms Jarvis has lived in the South-West region for over 25 years, and has a strong background in agriculture, interest in improving waterways health in the region and extensive experience filling numerous roles on government and industry committees, making her an ideal Chair of the Taskforce.
Ms Jarvis replaces the outgoing Chair, the Hon Dr Sally Talbot MLC, who served in the role from 2017 to November 2021. Ms Jarvis formally accepted the role of Taskforce Chair at the November 2021 meeting.
In 2020, the McGowan Government launched the $25 million Healthy Estuaries WA program, which works to protect and improve the health of at-risk estuaries across the South-West.
Funding of $6.4 million from the Healthy Estuaries WA Program has been allocated to the local Revitalising Geographe Waterways initiative, which is overseen by the Vasse Taskforce. Further information on the Vasse Taskforce and Revitalising Geographe Waterways and Healthy Estuaries WA can be found at:
Revitalising Geographe Waterways: https://rgw.dwer.wa.gov.au/
Healthy Estuaries WA program: https://estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"The Geographe continues to be one of our fastest growing regional areas, with urban growth and industry intensification placing pressure on the health of the catchment's waterways.
"Improving the health of the network of rivers, coastal wetlands and estuaries across the Geographe catchment, continues to be a priority for the McGowan Government.
"Jackie's long term connection with the region, her background in agriculture, and professional experience make her an ideal appointment to the role of Vasse Taskforce Chair.
"I'd like to express my appreciation to outgoing Chair, the Hon. Dr Sally Talbot, for her hard work and leadership of the Vasse Taskforce for the past four years.
"During her time as Chair, Dr Talbot has helped strengthened cross-agency co-operation and deliver great outcomes for the health of the Geographe Catchment.
As stated by South West Region MLC Jackie Jarvis:
"Having lived in the region for over 25 years I know how important Geographe Bay and the waterways in its catchment are to locals and visitors to the area.
"Healthy waterways are important to our local amenity and tourism industry.
"I know how hard the Taskforce has worked over the past seven years to achieve water quality improvements, and as Chair I will ensure that the ongoing challenges we face managing the health of the Geographe catchment remain a focus of the McGowan Government."
