Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman today announced $14.5million for 15 major projects aimed at protecting and improving Western Australia’s natural resources.
Making the announcement in Bunbury following Regional Cabinet, Mr Redman said many of the projects were focused in the South-West of the State.
“We rely on our renewable natural resources every day; they provide us with our beautiful natural surroundings as well as with food, water and fibre,” the Minister said.
“This Government is committed to spending the dollars in the most effective manner on the key areas of natural resource management (NRM).
“For example, here in the South-West, $1.25million will be allocated to water quality improvement through nutrient reduction in the catchments feeding the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands and Geographe Bay.
“$400,000 will be allocated to trapping and culling starlings along the south coast to minimise their impact on the environment, agriculture and public health and amenity.
“Another $500,000 will be allocated to preventing the extinction of critically endangered native fish species in our inland waterways.
“And as an illustration of the breadth of natural resources that are being addressed with these funds, $1.61million will be allocated to protecting the internationally recognised Fitzgerald River and the Lesueur and Cape Arid national parks from Phytophthora dieback.
“The 15 projects to be funded tackle four of the key priority areas this Government has for managing our natural resources - biodiversity, biosecurity, water quality and management through land use planning.”
“It is imperative we get value for money from the State Government funds spent on NRM, and one of the best ways to do that is to get the community involved. Significant parts of these projects will be delivered by NRM groups.
“There are also opportunities for the Government’s expenditure to be matched with contributions by others, whether in kind or dollars. Also, many of the projects cross portfolios, jurisdictions and geographical zones.
The allocation of this $14.5million comes on top of $5.4million for smaller NRM projects announced in late September, $1.5million supporting the key role played by regional NRM groups and $500,000 allocated to the State NRM office.
Please find attached a list of the projects.
Minister's office - 9213 6700