Photo caption: Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today announced more than $1 million in funding for four projects in the Parkes electorate that will improve the health of local rivers.
The Liberals and Nationals Government today announced more successful applicants under the $20 million Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program. This program assists communities to deliver on-ground projects to improve the health of their local rivers and wetlands, while supporting regional economies.
Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, said the grants invested in the environment and communities throughout the Parkes electorate.
“I am pleased to announce four grants worth over $1 million going to communities throughout the Parkes electorate, helping them to get out on the ground and support local waterways.
These grants are on top of the more than $250,000 in grants already benefitting the region from the first round of the Healthy Rivers Program,” Minister Pitt said.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the program’s contribution to communities and their local environment across north-western New South Wales.
“Communities from Moree to Condobolin stand to gain from this program, which will put money into local businesses, providing employment and strengthening recreational amenities and tourism offerings,” Mr Coulton said.
“Project activities throughout our region will plant more than 24,000 plants and control 75 hectares for weeds, getting over 100 volunteers of all ages involved in helping our environment.
“Warrumbungle Shire Council is leading a group of community organisations receiving a grant to rehabilitate a two-kilometre stretch of the Castlereagh River in Coonabarabran, which will boost river health and improve amenity for residents. Local school students will be involved in the project, helping to create new environmental stewards.
“Another project will see OzFish Unlimited collaborate with traditional owners and recreational fishers to enhance river habitat around Moree by re-snagging the river with 10 habitats for native fish species such as the Murray Cod, controlling woody weeds and planting riparian vegetation.”
Minister Pitt said the Healthy Rivers grants are supporting Basin communities, with successful applicants committed to buying local, boosting regional economies.
“These Healthy Rivers projects bring people and organisations together to work on practical, on-ground projects that protect the Murray–Darling Basin’s vital waterways.
“The Healthy Rivers Program forms a key part of the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package, which is putting communities back at the heart of the Basin Plan.”
For more information on the successful projects, visit the department’s website.
Fast Facts:
- Projects across the Parkes electorate aim to treat 75 hectares of weeds, plant 24,000 plants and create 10 new woody habitats in rivers for native fish.
- Over $1.31 million in total funding across the Parkes electorate has been announced under all rounds of the program.
Details of projects in the Parkes electorate:
Recipient | Project location | Short project description | Funding amount (GST exclusive) |
M.J Cain & S.J Cuddigan | Eulah Creek | Eulah Creek biosecurity matter control | $11,650.00 |
OzFish Unlimited Limited | Moree | Moree waterfront reserves restoration, driven by recreational fishers and traditional owners | $93,250.00 |
S.J Cranney & B.J White | Condobolin | Making connections along the Lachlan River | $27,710.00 |
Warrumbungle Shire Council | Coonabarabran | Castlereagh River rehabilitation project | $899,000.00 |
Total | $1,031,610.00 |
Note: Project locations are based on applicant provided mapping of activities funded under the program, which may be different to the location of the applicant. Projects may have activities in more than one electorate. Payments to applicants are subject to signing of a funding agreement.