Three groups work on endangered bush

Three local groups have received money from the Federal Government to help rehabilitate local endangered bushland.

The Bouddi Bushcare Group has received more than $11,000 to rehabilitate an endangered ecological community in the Bouddi National Park.

The group will clear lantana, bitou bush and blackberry which are weeds in the endangered swamp sclerophyll forest in the Bouddi National Park that provides habitat for several threatened species of birds, flying foxes and gliders.

The Hawkesbury River and Patonga Creek Oyster Industry Restructure Association also received a grant to the value of $19,521 to assist oyster farmers and local volunteers restore endangered river flat forest on the banks of the Hawkesbury River by removing weeds and establishing natural riparian corridors.

The project is expected to improve water quality, prevent runoff and pollution and protect the region's valuable oyster industry.

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust has been successful in securing two grants for the restoration of endangered ecological communities in Riley's Bay.

Trust member Ms Deb Holloman said $11,000 was granted for the swamp sclerophyll forest in Riley's Bay and $50,000 for the salt marsh in the same area.

According to Ms Holloman, the grants will be used to supplement the outstanding work being done by the local volunteer groups in these areas.

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said: "This funding from the Government's Caring for Our Country program's Community Action Grants will help rehabilitate endangered ecological communities in Bouddi National Park and along the Hawkesbury River.

"These projects enable local groups to have a significant hands-on role in protecting and improving the fragile environment of the Central Coast."

Ms Neal said it was pleasing to see that areas of ecological sensitivity on the Central Coast were being cared for by committed local people.

Press release, 2 Feb 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson Newsletter, 3 Feb 2010 Deb Holloman, Killcare Wagstaffe Trust