8/1/01
More than $3 million in Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust funding has been allocated for new and ongoing Rivercare projects throughout Western Australia in this financial year.
State Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames today welcomed the funding, particularly funds allocated to 13 new projects throughout WA.
“A total of $868,583 will be spent on new projects to be undertaken by catchment groups and the Water and Rivers Commission,” Dr Hames said.
“These projects provide the essential on-ground actions that help to restore and protect our waterways.”
New funding of $82,500 has been allocated to the Water and Rivers Commission North-West region to undertake Rivercare projects. The Rivercare grant will provide support to community work on high value waterway sites in the Pilbara, and will help to support implementation of the community’s Land and Water Management Plan in the Ord Irrigation Area.
“These funds are particularly important as they support work done by communities to improve their local environments," Dr Hames said.
“In addition, the Water and Rivers Commission has received $442,271 for continued coordination of the Waterways WA program and $135,000 to continue work on a State-wide floodplain management program.”
Waterways WA provides support to regional strategy groups and community groups undertaking river restoration works throughout the State.
A draft policy for waterways management developed by Waterways WA program is now open for public comment. The policy is the first State-wide approach to waterways management and is available from the Water and Rivers Commission. Comments close on January 31, 2001.
Media contacts:
Sandy Gater, Minister’s Office, 9424 7450
Paula Wallace, WRC, 9278 0741
