West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will receive more than $3.4 million over five years for environmental and agricultural projects.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) was among the first organisations in Australia to be allocated the Federal Government funding under the Regional Land Partnerships program.
“The West Gippsland CMA will put this funding towards three projects, including one that will maintain and improve the Corner Inlet RAMSAR wetland,” Mr Chester said.
“Funding has also been allocated to a project that will improve and protect the Victorian Alpine Peatland. The CMA will also lead a project to improve soil condition, vegetation and biodiversity for sustainable agriculture.
“Gippslanders take great pride in the beauty and condition of their natural environment. This Federal Government money is an investment in local jobs in the tourism and agricultural sectors as we work to improve farmland and protect our natural assets.”
The North East Catchment Management Authority, which takes in part of Gippsland, will receive $8.2 million over five years for four environmental projects, including protecting alpine sphagnum bogs and fens, and aid the recovery of the Mountain Pygmy Possum population in the Victorian Alps.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the funding was part of Regional Land Partnerships under the second phase of the National Landcare Program.
“These 47 successful tenderers have demonstrated that they have the knowledge, capability and experience to deliver the services as needed by the community, at a price that provides the best value for money for the Government,” Minister Littleproud said.
Assistant Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said the Government looked forward to working with successful service providers and the community to deliver projects that would benefit, not only our environment, but also our economy and our towns and cities.
“The Australian Government is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to natural resource management by investing $450 over the next five years in local and regional-scale projects that will help deliver national priorities,” Assistant Minister Price said.
For further information on the Regional Land Partnerships, visit: http://www.nrm.gov.au/
