Victoria’s natural resources have been given a $7.9 million boost by the Brumby Labor Government to deliver on priorities set out in the Land and Biodiversity White Paper, Securing Our Natural Future: A white paper for land and biodiversity at a time of climate change.
At the Brumby Labor Government's Bendigo Region Community Cabinet Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings today announced the $7.9 million in funds from the Natural Resource Investment Program (NRIP) would help manage natural resources such as agriculture, wetlands, coastlines and native vegetation.
“Strong communities need a healthy environment, that’s why the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure our natural resources get the care they need,” Mr Jennings said.
“This $7.9 million NRIP package will be used at a local level to tackle issues affecting Victoria’s coasts, waterways, agriculture and native vegetation and is part of the Victorian Government’s annual $70 million commitment to natural resource management.
“A North Central project being funded is a $65,000 initiative to enhance and protect the Gunbower Ramsar site. Gunbower Creek flows directly to the Murray River and has been identified as a priority asset.
“The funding is for fencing along Gunbower Creek and so far 12 kilometres of the 18 kilometres have been completed. Rubbish, such as old concrete blocks and machinery, has been removed from the area. The next steps include a cultural heritage assessment and preparing the site for spring planting – which will cover 30 hectares along the creek.
“Also in North Central is another $65,000 project building on Northern Plains conservation works, which will protect, extend and improve habitats and high priority woodlands and grasslands of the Northern Plains.
“Regional projects targeting biodiversity protection, salt and sediment management, wetland health and soil protection activities will also receive a boost. This funding will be provided to Victoria’s Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) to implement a variety of projects with their regional communities.
“Securing Our Natural Future is the blueprint of how we will manage and protect our natural environment, through collaborative and targeted projects throughout the state.
Key projects to receive funding include:
- $3.4 million for BushTender, to deliver an integrated package of activities to protect high value native vegetation;
- $1.4 million for a Crown Frontage Review project to help implement the Securing Our Natural Future commitment to accelerate protection of high priority riparian areas, starting with licensed Crown frontages; and
- $1.6 million for projects to assist in the protection of the Murray River through reducing salt, sediment and nutrient inputs to the river.
Mr Jennings said the remaining funding will be used to deliver a range of regional projects throughout Victoria and would contribute to raising community awareness.