Nearly 20 projects in East Gippsland will receive funding to aid the recovery of native wildlife and habitat severely impacted by the 2019/20 black summer bushfires.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed the announcement of more than $3.8 million in funding to be shared amongst the 19 projects.
“These projects will receive funding under the Federal Government’s $200 million for wildlife and habitat recovery,” Mr Chester said.
“Landcare Australia is perfectly placed to see the roll-out of this funding in East Gippsland as the wildlife and habitat recovery gets underway.
“These new projects in Gippsland will not only directly support native species recovery, but also provide benefit for bushfire-affected communities and landholders.
“East Gippsland was severely impacted by the 2019/20 black summer bushfires, which burnt more than 870,000 hectares of forests and coastal ecosystems in the region.
“This funding will help us build back better and support out longer term goal of recovery and resilience.”
Projects to receive funding are:
- BirdLife Australia (Orbost) $406,111
- East Gippsland Conservation Management Network (Mallacoota) $176,500
- East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc (Bairnsdale) $249,332
- Raymond Island Landcare Group $161,894
- East Gippsland Landcare Network (Bairnsdale) $280,250
- Habitat Restoration Fund (Wangarabell) $39,500
- East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc (Mossiface) $342,706
- University of Melbourne (Bairnsdale) $69,579
- Threatened Species Conservancy (Mallacoota) $256,046
- Workways Australia Limited (Mallacoota) $251,265
- Victorian National Parks Association (Cape Conran) $33,140
- Lake Tyers Coast Action (Lake Tyers Beach) $45,800
- Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust (Toorloo Arm) $50,000
- Clifton Creek Community Landcare Group (Clifton Creek) $27,482
- Far East Victoria Landcare (Goongerah) $324,785
- Envite Environment (Orbost) $349,298
- Far East Victoria Landcare (Orbost) $96,138
- Growling Grass Frog (Wingan River) $250,000
- Greening Australia Ltd (Simpsons Creek) $440,175
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network are co-ordinating the projects across the nation, including in East Gippsland.
“Our unique native plants and animals are already benefitting thanks to the on-the-ground efforts from Landcare and other community groups, but there is still work to be done,” Minister Ley said.
“These new projects will build on the broad range of recovery activities already being carried out by Landcare and other community groups in the wake of the fires.
“The Federal Government is committed to the recovery of our wildlife and habitats – it is vitally important that we continue to do this work so that our native iconic species, can return to their natural environments and thrive.”
