20 November 2008
DAFF08/160B

A project to protect the habitat of the endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren is one of 15 South Australian initiatives to share in more than $28 million from the Rudd Government to protect Australia’s environment and promote sustainable farming. 

Details of the 15 South Australian projects funded under the Caring for our Country Open Grants were announced today by Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke.

The Open Grants funding is part of the $2.25 billion earmarked for the first five years of Caring for our Country, launched in July this year.

Mr Garrett said the projects, ranging from $80,000 to $400,000, would lead to significant environmental benefits and advances in land management practices in all states and territories.

“Through Caring for our Country, the Government is taking a comprehensive, targeted and integrated approach to natural resource management funding, encouraging organisations to work together to deliver on national priorities,” Mr Garrett said.

“Many of the organisations funded through this Open Grants scheme look beyond their local environmental issues to link up with others to deliver better environment and land management practices on a larger scale.

“The Conservation Council of South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren and Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps project, for example, brings together conservation groups, state and local government authorities, local community organisations, scientists, schools, businesses and landholders to restore or create habitat for these tiny birds.”

“Since 1995 the Conservation Council of South Australia has been developing native vegetation corridors to link populations of emu-wrens to encourage movement and breeding between populations. With maybe only 500 or so adults remaining this is vitally important work. This funding will allow the Council to continue and expand on its work in the Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps, to work with landholders who have committed to this project too.”

Both ministers said climate change and other pressures such as invasive weeds and pests emphasised the need for the government to work in partnership with communities to help ensure the future of Australia’s environment and farming industries. 

Of the 137 Open Grants projects funded across Australia, 72 projects worth approximately $14.4 million specifically address sustainable farming and Landcare.

“Our farmers understand the importance of managing our precious landscape and using water and other resources efficiently,” Mr Burke said.

“This funding will help farmers continue to manage the land sustainably, in partnership with other community groups.

“For example, one project will help to reduce feral goat numbers and help to protect rangelands productivity.

“Invasive weeds and feral goats cause extensive damage to the environment and farming industries by destroying vegetation, causing soil erosion and spoiling water holes.”

Further information and a full listing of successful grants is available at www.nrm.gov.au/projects/open-grants.html

Media contacts: Ben Pratt (Minister Garrett): 0419 968 734
Ann-Marie Wilcock (Minister Burke): 0413 872 275

Examples of Projects Funded

South Australia

Landcare

Other