JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Even more funding is flowing to Farrer, with the Australian Government funding a project developed by a group of 10 landholders in the Deniliquin area under the first round of the Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program.
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the innovative application showed that improving river health can start at home and met one of the core criteria of the funding program to invest in communities throughout the Basin.
“Under the first round of the Healthy Rivers Program, almost $3.1 million has been provided to communities from Goondiwindi to Meningie to keep their vital waterways healthy,” Minister Pitt said.
“People delivering these projects will buy local – helping local economies recover from the effects of drought and COVID-19.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the funding gives part of the Deniliquin community a chance to be involved in improving the health of the Edward River.
“This grant of $55,000 will allow the ten households to boost water flow in a patch of the local river system, reduce sediment build-up and help native fish to travel better throughout the river,” Minister Ley said.
“Importantly, it will specifically help improve the habitat for populations of native fish species, including the critically endangered Silver Perch and the endangered Trout Cod.
“This latest project builds on the eight grants, worth more than $380,000, already announced under the first round of the program for the Deniliquin and mid-Murray region and the electorate of Farrer.”
Senator for New South Wales and Deniliquin local Perin Davey hailed the program as a win for native fish species and the Deniliquin community alike.
“Our community is very connected to the Edward River and all it has to offer including recreation and fishing and they are committed to maintaining or improving its environment,” Senator Davey said.
“It’s fantastic to see a group of local residents in my home town of Deniliquin working together and taking practical action to protect their local river and native species.
“In addition to being great for the local environment, this project will put money into the Deniliquin economy, with local businesses and suppliers being used throughout.
“This is one of 38 fantastic, community-led projects in New South Wales that the Healthy Rivers Program is funding so far.”
The Healthy Rivers Program is a key part of the Australian Government’s $269.6 million Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package, which is putting communities front and centre of the Basin Plan.
Another two rounds of the program will open later this month and community groups, landholders and farmers will again be able to apply. Details will be released shortly.
For more information about the Healthy Rivers Program and successful applicants, visit the department’s website.
* Successful projects in Farrer previously announced include:
- Jerilderie – $22,000 to Yanco Creek & Tributaries Advisory Council for Colombo Creek
- Wentworth – $51,370 to OzFish Unlimited to install large woody and rock reef habitats in Lower Darling
- Barham – $55,000 for Western Murray Land Improvement Group towards Pollack Wetland
- Bullatale – $55,000 to the Dudley family to remove flood banks adjoining Murray Valley National Park
- Griffith – $54,902 to the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists for improvements at Campbells Wetland
- Monak – $48,070 for OzFish Unlimited to install fish habitats in the Bottle Bend waterways
- Deniliquin – $44,000 to Edwards Wakool Anglers to build aquatic vegetation along Mid Murray
- Leeton – $55,000 to OzFish Unlimited to control willow trees & re-stocking along Murrumbidgee River