Media Statements - Funding for new Rivercare projects in Esperance

5/1/01

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 projects to receive NHT funds in the south coast region area include:

$88,470 to the Water and Rivers Commission to support a Rivercare officer position for the Esperance district; and -
$33,143 to the South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team to undertake a Team Work for Southern Resources project.

“These funds are particularly important as they support work done by communities to improve their local environments,” Dr Hames said.

Ongoing NHT funding has been allocated to the Frankland Gordon Catchment Management Group, Gnowangerup LCDC, Coobidge Creek Landcare Group and the Water and Rivers Commission to continue local Rivercare projects.

“In addition, the Water and Rivers Commission has received $442,271 for continued co-ordination of the Waterways WA program and $135,000 to continue work on a State-wide floodplain management program,” the Minister said.

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