Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It gives me great pleasure to report to the House the fantastic efforts of hundreds of volunteers across my electorate of Hughes on Sunday for Clean Up Australia Day. I spent time on Sunday morning at the Yeramba Lagoon site with many local residents who were helping out. Located at Picnic Point, Yeramba Lagoon was originally a tidal saltwater lagoon. But with the building of Henry Lawson Drive in 1964, it actually caused a weir across the tidal flow. Now, after many years, it has actually turned into a freshwater lagoon and has become infested by many non-native and noxious weeds. All hope is not lost.

The large and enthusiastic turnout on Sunday demonstrated there is very strong support for cleaning up Yeramba Lagoon and turning it back into the wonderful nature area that it previously was, where families could go picnicking and enjoying a canoe ride. I was proud to be in attendance with the state member for East Hills, Mr Glenn Brookes. Together, we worked hard to put together the case for the Green Army to become involved in cleaning up Yeramba Lagoon. I will continue to fight here in Canberra for funding for Yeramba Lagoon for the Green Army to get out on the ground and to make a major improvement. I also congratulate Nick Bloukos and everyone who participated in Clean Up Australia Day at Yeramba Lagoon or at any one of the 7,000 sites around Australia.

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