NSW Nationals Senator Perin Davey has welcomed the Federal Government’s newly announced funding, which is aimed at improving the health of the Murray Darling Basin.
Under round one of the Murray Darling Healthy Rivers program, Basin farmers, landholders and community organisations will be able to apply for a share in $6 million dollars worth of grants- which will help deliver practical on-ground projects that improve the health of rivers and wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin.
Senator Davey said this announcement is fantastic news for local communities.
“The funding means industry groups such as Ricegrowers Association of Australia can apply for funding to continue their work protecting the endangered Australasian bittern,” Senator Davey said.
“It will not only encourage rice farmers to use bittern-friendly methods but will also help control predators like foxes.”
“Improving environmental health is not just about adding more water as proposed by the Greens, it can be achieved through holistic riparian land and wetland management.
“I encourage all farmers, community groups and First Nations communities in the Basin to look at the guidelines for the first round of the Healthy Rivers Program and submit an application.”
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the $20 million Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program opens tomorrow and is about putting people, jobs and the environment centre stage.
“The first round for the Healthy Rivers Program will offer $6 million in grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to assist Basin communities to maintain the health of their local streams and wetlands,” Minister Pitt said.
“While eligible projects will look different across the Basin, they will all focus on the health of the river and will benefit the Basin, its people, industries and particularly the environment.”
“Two further rounds will open in July 2021, offering a further $14 million in grants to support economic recovery through investing in local knowledge to improve river health.
Applications will open from tomorrow and will close on 31 March 2021. For more information on how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.