By ANEEKA SIMONIS
ENVIRONMENT groups helping reduce bushfire risk in Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook and other Hills towns will share in more than $1 million in funding to carry out the important work.
Cardinia Shire Council was allocated more than $120,000 in funding to palm out to groups including Cardinia Reservoir Park Habitat Protection Program, working to protect biodiversity and water quality, Emerald Lake Park Vegetation Management and Emerald Star Bush Community Partnership committed to removing exotic, dangerous weeds.
Friends of Gembrook Park will spend $8000 on reducing fuel load in vegetation bordering private properties while Southern Ranges Environment Alliance will put $4750 into the Cockatoo Creek Vegetation Management Project.
The grants – allocated to 23 groups in the Dandenong Ranges – were announced by Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt and the Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood on Monday 23 March as part of the Federal Government’s three-year $3 million Dandenong Ranges Environmental and Bushfire Reduction programme.
“This funding means we have now delivered in full on our 2013 election commitment to the Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Hunt said.
“It is satisfying to see the difference this programme has already made across the ranges. The removal of weeds and excess fuel loads have made many local areas safer for residents.”
“And the planting of native shrubs and removal of pest animals has created a supportive environment in which native species can flourish.”
Mr Wood said the projects would improve life for many of the communities in the region.
“The Dandenong Ranges are a vital part of Victoria’s tourism industry with a thriving community. These projects will help to protect that industry, while improving biodiversity and reducing the bushfire risk to visitors and residents,” Mr Wood said.
It was also announced a re-elected Turnbull Government has committed to provide $400,000 for two new Green Army projects in the Dandenong Ranges, with a special focus on threatened species:
* The Helmeted Honeyeater Habitat Restoration Project will aim to increase habitat to protect the 130 remaining individuals of the critically endangered species. Participants will engage in seed collection, plant propagation, fauna surveys, revegetation and weed control;
* The Leadbeater’s Possum Protection Project will help protect Victoria’s critically endangered fauna emblem through revegetation at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Participants will engage in fauna surveys, revegetation, nest box construction, seed collection and plant propagation.
“The Dandenong Ranges is a very special place that is dear to the hearts of many Melburnians. I am committed to doing all that I can to help local residents care for this beautiful region,” Minister Hunt said.
