The Andrews Labor Government is supporting environmental projects in the Goulburn Broken catchment with a boost to improve water quality and biodiversity.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today announced that six innovative pilot projects will share in $160,100 as part of the Our Catchments, Our Communitiesprogram.
From reintroducing the Growling Grass Frog through captive breeding to sampling water to assess fish populations, the projects will improve and enhance the catchment for future generations. The successful projects include:
- $30,000 for Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network to reduce the impacts of climate change in the ranges by collecting and sharing environmental information online.
- $30,000 for Taungurung Land and Waters Council to build relationships with the Molesworth community and adjoining landholders to heal Country and undertake invasive weeding works.
- $30,000 for BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University to conduct research and survey farmers and industry about climate change awareness and better land management practices.
- $26,700 for Water Stewardship Australia to develop a network of local businesses in partnership with Strathbogie Shire Council to improve water outcomes by undertaking an audit of water use and needs, identify areas for improvement and marketing opportunities for water stewards.
- $24,400 for Threatened Species Conservancy to test a new monitoring method that uses DNA to assess fish populations. If successful, the new tool could enable managers and community groups to regularly evaluate fish stocks by collecting a cup of water and sending the sample to the lab for testing.
- $19,000 for Winton Wetlands Committee of Management to enhance captive breeding for the reintroduction of Growling Grass Frogs to the Goulburn Broken Catchment.
The grants are also part of the implementation of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy and the Hume Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which both identify ways to improve and enhance the catchment and address the impacts of climate change.
The Labor Government has invested $21.75 million towards the program, which is helping managing our catchments in ways that benefit the environment, community and the economy.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“The Goulburn Broken Catchment is an important place, and we want to ensure it continues to benefit regional economies by offering recreational activities and supporting native flora and fauna.”
“We’re proud to be supporting these local projects which will tackle some high priority issues and provide real on-the-ground benefits.”
