Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Marita Macrae is the President of the Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, which strives to protect and preserve Pittwater's natural heritage. In my electorate of Mackellar we are extremely lucky—not just lucky but extremely lucky—to be surrounded by beautiful bushland as well as our magnificent coastal areas. It is not lost on me that, without organisations such as Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, our natural surroundings might not be around in the same way that I and generations before me have enjoyed. I hope, for my daughter's sake and the sake of every future generation to come, that they will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Pittwater. For this reason, the work that the PNHA is doing is absolutely crucial. The association raises awareness on issues such as native tree canopy; plant selections for gardens that will live in harmony with nearby bushland and provide habitat for native animals and birds; weed infestation; and keeping our waterways healthy, amongst many other critical issues in and around Pittwater. Marita and her team do an excellent job of advocating on these issues, helping to raise awareness within the community and, more importantly, doing something about it. I take this opportunity to commend Marita and her team and all their hard work with the Pittwater Natural Heritage Association. Mackellar needs people like Marita. Australia needs people like Marita and organisations such as this to ensure our natural beauty thrives.