Western Australian Water Minister, Simone McGurk, has announced the new Chair of the Vasse Taskforce.
Member for North Metropolitan, Pierre Yang, will step into the role, leading the important work being conducted by the Vasse Taskforce, and reaffirming the Western Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to managing the health of the Geographe waterways.
The main objective of the Vasse Taskforce is to manage the health of these waterways, in response to increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen from both urban and agricultural land uses.
The program is part of the $25 million Healthy Estuaries Western Australia program funded by the Western Australian Government.
Mr Yang said he is 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.
“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,” Mr Yang said.
Ms McGurk said that as the Geographe region grows, so does the pressure put on the waterways in the catchment.
“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,” Ms McGurk said.
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, Western Australian Agriculture Minister, Jackie Jarvis, who served from December 2021 to April 2023.
Ms McGurk thanked 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.
Ms Jarvis congratulated Pierre on his appointment to the position and is 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,” Ms Jarvis said.
“I wish the Vasse Taskforce continued success in their ongoing oversight of water quality management in the Geographe catchment.”
Prior to her departure, Minister Jarvis, has released the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program report, which highlights key achievements and progress of the program from 2020-22.
