My first fight for the environment was sparked by land clearing in a precious coastal rainforest, which sent koalas fleeing for safety into my parents’ front garden in Port Macquarie, New South Wales.

Today, almost 40 years later, the koala is endangered, along with many other native species across our nation.

That’s why I am proud that last week in parliament the Albanese Government passed a Bill for the world’s first Nature Repair Market.

This new initiative gives us all hope for the future of our environment, it will establish the mechanisms to bring landholders, businesses, and conservation groups together to achieve better environmental and economic outcomes.

I am also proud of the Albanese Government’s decision to update the “water trigger” so new unconventional gas projects will be assessed for their impact on water resources.

Before the election, Labor promised to do this, and we’re delivering.

This is a commonsense change, providing businesses with certainty and the community with confidence that water resources and our environment are properly regulated and protected.

This reform and the new Nature Repair Market are two incredibly important wins for our environment.

There will be opportunities for local environmental projects through the Nature Repair Market and I look forward to working hand in hand with all my local groups to support them in embracing this opportunity.

If you have an interest in pursuing these opportunities, please make contact with my office.

• Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker