While these commitments have been made over the last decade, programs to develop such reserve systems, in the most part, have remained un-funded. There is the opportunity, perhaps, for ASL to play a part in providing advice on their development - which may well gain prominence over the next year or two. Jon Nevill, an ASL member currently based in Melbourne, has offered to coordinate a working group to examine the development of a possible draft ASL policy on representative aquatic reserves. Below is a small table which attempts to summarise some key aspects of State legislation and policy affecting the water environment. I would appreciate comment on errors or omissions in the table.
State has an enforceable water quality policy .
Limited protection provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Limited protection provided by the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Limited protection provided by the Nature Conservation Act 1980.