Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced two projects to protect threatened ecological communities in the Central West have been successful in securing more than $644,000 funding.
Mid Lachlan Landcare will receive $294,385 to restore White Box, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland Habitat on Farms and BirdLife Australia secured $349,913 for work re-ageing the temperate woodlands of Central West NSW.
The grants were made possible by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species funding stream.
Ms Cooke congratulated the groups for winning a grant to support the significant work they do in recovering and conserving tree ecosystems across the Cootamundra electorate and beyond.
“Clearing of these woodlands over decades has left them severely depleted, and these woodlands are of course vital to the survival of a number of native bird and animal species,” Ms Cooke said.
“Mid Lachlan Landcare will work with 58 famers to increase understanding and implement plans on properties to promote the restoration of White Box, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland and BirdLife Australia will also work with landholders to stress the importance of standing dead timber and wooden debris to local ecosystems and help reintroduce it.
“The work this grant will fund will result in major benefits for the local environment as well as the community,” Ms Cooke added.
Tracee Burke, Mid Lachlan Local Landcare Coordinator, said the group were very excited to receive the funding.
“Mid Lachlan Landcare is excited to work with our local farmers to help restore the function of this important woodland and enhance the vibrancy, health and biodiversity on these farms,” Ms Burke said.
NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said that 28 organisations across NSW were sharing in more than $8 million of funding.
“The projects will deliver help to threatened species and threatened ecological communities,” the minister said.
The Saving our Species Contestable Grant Program is a partnership between the Saving our Species program and the NSW Environmental Trust.
The NSW Government’s Saving our Species program is investing $100 million over five years to secure the future of NSW threatened plants and animals.
For more details and project descriptions visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/saving-our-species-contestable-grants-program-2018.htm
For more information on Saving our Species visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sos
