NSW Government funding for the Southern Rivers CMA will contribute $4.99 million towards native vegetation, invasive species, riverine ecosystems, wetlands, soil condition, land capability, economic sustainability, and capacity.

This includes $1.42 million under Catchment Action NSW to fund on-ground programs, a 53% increase over 2008-2009.

CMA partners will also contribute around $1 million towards these projects. Projects will tackle native vegetation, invasive species, riverine ecosystems, wetlands, soil condition, land capability, economic sustainability and capacity in the Southern Rivers region.

The Commonwealth Government’s Caring for our Country program will inject a minimum of $3.25 million.

Southern Rivers CMA will use the funding to deliver employment opportunities and on-ground projects working with local communities, farmers and other land managers, Landcare, other government agencies, local government, Aboriginal people, and industries within the region.

Southern Rivers CMA’s flagship projects include:

• Snowy River Recovery: finishing the rehabilitation of 30 kilometres of the Snowy River including the establishment of riparian vegetation and the reintroduction of some 30,000 Australian Bass into the River. Investment: $190,000 with funding from Catchment Action NSW and NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

• Native Vegetation Conservation: negotiating Conservation Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) with private land managers and local councils, with over 400 hectares of land conserved into perpetuity; this includes the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Investment: $100,000 with funding from Catchment Action NSW.

“The ongoing support of the State Government means that Southern Rivers CMA can continue to support individuals and groups to make on-ground improvements to their local environment,” Chair of the Southern Rivers CMA, Pam Green, said.