Six projects in Barker have been awarded grants under the first round of the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program.
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin hailed the uptake of six grants worth over $160,000 by landcare groups and landholders as a win for the Barker environment and communities.
“It’s great to see the community coming up with practical ways that they can improve the Basin environment, whilst we are getting on with the job of implementing the Basin Plan,” Mr Pasin said.
“Local landcare and community groups will undertake these projects, getting locals involved in revegetating waterways, fencing out cattle and clearing invasive species. These activities will help protect species such as the vulnerable Southern Bell Frog and the critically endangered Curlew Sandpiper.
“This is just the first round of these grants, and I encourage communities to apply for further rounds when they open in the coming months.”
Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, said the grants would enhance the environment of communities across the Murray–Darling Basin.
“I am pleased to announce 73 grants to fund practical, on-ground projects that improve the health of rivers and wetlands across the Basin,” Minister Pitt said.
“The program will deliver over $3 million to communities from Goondiwindi to Strathalbyn. Successful applicants are committed to buying local, boosting regional economies.
“Thanks to these grants, communities can get on with the job of caring for their local environment, through a range of activities including re-snagging rivers for native fish habitat and erosion control projects to improve water quality.”
The Healthy Rivers Program forms a key part of the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package, which is putting communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.
For more information on the successful projects, visit the department’s website.
ENDS.
Funded projects in Barker
| Location | Grant recipient | Short project description | Funding (GST incl.) |
| South Australian Riverland | Mid Murray Landcare SA Incorporated | Conservation of the Regent Parrot in South Australian Murray–Darling Basin | $51,260.00 |
| Barmera | Berri Barmera Landcare Incorporated | Improving habitats for threatened species in the South Australian Riverland | $55,000.00 |
| Mypolonga | Wetland Habitats (Paiwalla) Association Incorporated | Reducing the spread of Yellow Waterlily and Willows | $13,200.00 |
| Poltalloch | Forfar Holdings Pty Ltd | Reed planting in Lake Albert | $15,609.88 |
| Mulgundawa | Chandler, P. & S. | Revegetation and fencing of mud flats and salt marsh at Lake Alexandrina | $22,000.00 |
| Renmark | Austland Management Pty Ltd | Engaging community volunteers in the restoration of the Calperum Floodplain | $12,378.30 |
