06/07/2005 - The environment
and agricultural resources of New South Wales'
Hawkesbury-Nepean region received a huge boost
with the announcement of $14.1 million in
joint funding from the Australian and State
Governments.
The announcement was made jointly by Australian
Government Ministers for Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry, Warren Truss, Environment and
Heritage, Ian Campbell and NSW Ministers for
the Environment, Bob Debus and Infrastructure
and Planning, and for Natural Resources, Craig
Knowles.
Mr Truss said over $5 million goes toward
a River Health Program where landholders,
local government and the community will work
together to conserve rivers and wetlands in
the region.
"Willows, privet and other invasive
species will be removed and native species
planted to stabilise riverbanks and prevent
erosion. The program also includes activities
to manage wetlands and control aquatic weeds,
and to improve public access to waterways
and foreshore areas," Mr Truss said.
Senator Campbell said nearly $5 million has
been allocated for a Terrestrial Biodiversity
and Threatened Species Conservation Program
that targets native vegetation and important
habitat for threatened species including the
Copperwing Butterfly, Macquarie Perch, Adams
Emerald Dragonfly and Regent Honeyeater.
"The program will see key remnants of
native vegetation conserved and will help
land managers create wildlife corridors to
increase the habitat of the region's native
bird and animal life," Senator Campbell
said.
Mr Debus said just over $4 million has been
allocated for a Soil and Land Management Program.
"This program is targeting the sources
of drinking water to ensure they are protected
and kept clean. It focuses on improving land
management practices so that grazing stock
does not have an adverse impact on the region's
waterways," Mr Debus said.
"This program is also providing assistance
to Landcare groups in the catchment."
The funding goes directly to the Hawkesbury
Nepean CMA and comprises $12.9 million from
the $3 billion Australian Government's Natural
Heritage Trust and $1.2 million from State
Sustainability Funding. It is part of $436.5
million allocated for CMAs throughout NSW
over four years.
For further information about the Natural
Heritage Trust visit www.nht.gov.au
For further information about the Hawkesbury
Nepean CMA visit www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au
