The opening today of the Coongie Lakes National Park in South Australia shows the value of conservationists and pastoralists working together to resolve environmental issues.

It shows yet again that Labor Governments are good for the environment.

The 300 square kilometre area of Coongie Lakes is internationally recognised as a Ramsar listed wetland. It includes five freshwater lakes and hosts a quarter of Australia’s bird species, as well as reptiles, frogs and fish.

It has been part of the Innamincka Station for over 100 years, so its transfer to national park status is a significant milestone.

On behalf of Federal Labor, I offer my congratulations to all involved in this significant decision, including the Rann Labor Government, station owner S Kidman and Company, the Conservation Council of South Australia and the Wilderness Society.

This decision is another reminder of the important role that environment groups like the Conservation Council of South Australia play in pushing for greater environmental protection. It is a tragedy that the Federal Environment Minister, Ian Campbell, has cut their funding and threatened their tax deductible status.