The Morrison Government has committed $299,000 to the Barwon Estuary Fish Habitat Restoration Project and $298,000 to the Corio Bay Fish Habitat Project under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson the two initiatives form part of the 28 projects across the country to share in $8 million of grant funding.
“The Barwon Estuary Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Project will improve riverine and estuarine habitat for native fish, including angling species such as Estuary Perch, in the Barwon River between Buckley Falls and Lake Connewarre,” Senator Henderson said.
“This will be achieved through engaging with local anglers and Traditional Owners in planning and undertaking on-ground works such as instream habitat creation, riparian habitat restoration, weed management and rubbish removal as well as monitoring and evaluation activities.”
Senator Henderson also welcome the Corio Bay Fish Habitat Project which will restore crucial fish habitats in the region to the benefit of recreational fishers and the regional community.
“The project will demonstrate rec fishers’ capacity to conduct fish habitat restoration through a community approach, targeting functionally extinct shellfish reef habitats in the Corio Bay area.”
Both projects will be delivered in conjunction with local service provider the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said these projects would benefit recreational fishers by improving the health and productivity of habitats that support fish stocks and fisheries.
“Australia’s waterways are some of the best in the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It’s critical we keep our fisheries habitats healthy so we can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing into the future.
“This program will benefit Australia’s natural resource base and the broader community – especially our recreational fishers.
“We will be funding 28 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australian and Tasmania.
“This funding will see Regional Land Partnership providers and recreational fishing groups partner in rolling-up their sleeves to directly improve fish habitats.
“Together, they will work on surrounding vegetation and biodiversity in marine and estuarine areas, from tropical mangrove wetlands in Queensland, to building shellfish reefs on Kangaroo Island and restoring fish habitat damaged by moorings in southern Tasmania.”
The Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program is a 2019 government election commitment to provide $8 million to restore the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
21 October 2020