Some property owners will be able to reap the rewards of nearly half a million dollars from the state government’s bush connect grant, with the money earmarked for a decade long conservation project.
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Last week, Member for Goulburn Pru Goward announced $2,406,935 worth of funding would be given to five long-term environmental projects within the state electorate, with the Yass Area Network (YAN) of Landcare Groups Incorporated to receive a slice of $427,850.
Spokesperson for YAN Det Voges said the funding comes as welcome support from the state government.
“The project we are undertaking is about habitat,” Mr Voges explained.
“It will provide direct seeding and tubestock for natural resource regeneration as well as fencing material for stock management of restored areas.”
Mr Voges said the project’s aim is to enhance biodiversity and improve sustainable farming by connecting remnants of native vegetation in the Yass area, between Murrumbateman, Jerrawa, Binalong, and Bookham.
The YAN’s project will work alongside existing initiatives which meet the project's borders.
“This project extends the coverage already provided by Murrumbateman Landcare’s ‘Landcare Linking Biodiversity’ and the Greater Goorooyaroo projects, extending these linkages to the north to integrate with the Greater Eastern Ranges programme … our project will optimise the outcomes of these projects, and vice versa,” he continued.
“We are revegetating corridors across private agricultural landscapes to link otherwise isolated patches of remnant vegetation.
“This project is being developed in response to community interest with numerous landholders already expressing interest in undertaking projects of this nature.”
YAN will work with around 150 property landholders within the project's boundaries over the five years, and they hope to be able to provide linkages to around 50-60 per cent of the targeted area.
“We are trying to fill a gap,” Mr Voges said.
“Targeted properties will be selected from enthusiastic owners, with plantings and fencing to optimise natural habitat linkages.”
Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the Bush Connect grants provide funding of between $250,000 and $500,000 each, for the first six years of the projects.
“The 16 projects will span the Great Eastern Ranges, from the north of the state to the southern border.”
Ms Goward said the grants would help to implement long-term environmental solutions in the region.
“This program is designed to encourage partnerships between community environment groups or networks, farmers and non-government organisations to complete important environmental work,” she said.
The grant program requires projects to run for a minimum of 10 years. The Environmental Trust and the applicant will jointly fund up to 80 per cent of the total project cost for the first six years. The applicant will contribute the remaining 20 per cent over the remaining four years.