South West MLC Jackie Jarvis has taken over as the new Vasse Taskforce Chair.
WA water minister Dave Kelly made the announcement on December 15, saying the appointment was "reaffirming the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges still facing the health of the Geographe waterways".
Mr Kelly said Ms Jarvis was the ideal candidate for the role after living in the region for more than 25 years and having a strong background in agriculture and improving waterway health.
"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," Ms Jarvis said.
"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."
Ms Jarvis replaces the outgoing Chair, South West MLC Sally Talbot, who served in the role from 2017 to November 2021.
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"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," Mr Kelly said.
"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."
Ms Jarvis formally accepted the role of Taskforce Chair at the November 2021 meeting.
The taskforce was first established by the state Liberal government in 2014 in response to a review on the health and management of the Geographe waterway.
In 2020, the WA 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/
