$2m for environmental projects

THE Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is launching its latest round of environmental funding for the 2012-13 financial at Bathurst today (Monday).

More than $2 million will be available to support environmental projects aimed at improving the health of the Central West catchment’s land, water, vegetation and cultural heritage.

Launching the incentives funding will be the Central West CMA deputy chair, Anne Kerle, who says the funding will be wide reaching.

“Like a good soaking rainfall event, this funding will benefit the entire Central West CMA catchment, from the top of the range, near Oberon, all the way to the dusty plains at Nyngan.

“We’re encouraging farmers and land managers to get on board with this . . . program so they can benefit from improved resource management and restoration,” says Dr Kerle.

The Central West CMA vision of “vibrant communities and healthy landscapes” is largely being achieved through a continued landholder education program and financial incentives for on-ground projects, she says.

The funding will support farmers and community groups to implement

projects where they might not have had the available resources to get their idea started.

The Central West CMA has a

diverse range of Incentives on offer across the Central West catchment for which people to can apply.

They target a number of specific environmental issues that need effective management in the catchment.

The $2 allocated for on-ground projects will focus on:

Increasing soil carbon;

Restoring salt-affected lands;

Integrated pest management;

Woodland restoration and revegetation projects;

Restoring wetlands;

Improving aquatic bio-diversity;

Undertaking riverine rehabilitation projects;

Controlling weeds of national significance (WONS); and,

Small grants for community groups.

A further $154,000 is being invested in a wide range of natural resource management workshops and training opportunities including, says Dr Kerle.

“This is a great opportunity for individuals and community groups to carry out a project to better manage the catchment’s natural resources for a healthier and sustainable future,” she says.

“Come and talk to the Central West CMA staff, discuss your ideas and find out how to get your environmental project off the ground.

“We all need to work together for a healthy and productive catchment.

“This essential injection of environmental funding will work towards achieving the vision for this catchment.”

The Incentive funding has been provided by both the state and federal governments.

The launch will be held along Hawthornden Creek (Mt Panorama car park) today at 11am.