Kim Hames

Kim Hames

-

    Funding for new Rivercare projects in the South-West

    5/01/2001 10:20 AM
     
    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-West region area include:
    • $105,800 to the Lower Blackwood LCDC and Governor Broome Creek Catchment Group to develop and implement a catchment management action plan for Governor Broome Creek;
    • $75,000 to the Serpentine-Jarrahdale LCDC to develop water and bushcare management works;
    • $30,000 to the South West Catchments Council and Water and Rivers Commission to co-ordinate and implement a South-West Regional Strategy for Natural Resource Management; and -
    • $9,900 to GeoCatch, the Water and Rivers Commission and the Vasse-Wonnerup LCDC to develop and implement a local River Action Plan for the waterways of the Vasse-Wonnerup.

    “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 GeoCatch, the Lower Blackwood LCDC, Collie LCDC, Coolup LCDC and the Blackwood Basin Group.

    “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