Wetlands in the Penrith/Hawkesbury area targeted for funding

6 June 2007, 11:52am

One of more than 100 floodplain wetlands between Penrith and Wisemans Ferry

Landholders in the Hawkesbury and Penrith area have been invited to apply for funding to protect and restore wetlands on their properties by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

Bernie Bugden, CMA General Manager, said there are over 100 floodplain wetlands between Penrith and Wisemans Ferry and they are critical for river health.

"Funding is available to fence wetlands to protect them from stock, install alternative stock watering, replant wetlands plants and restore wetland processes where necessary," said Mr Bugden.

"Floodplain wetlands help purify water and absorb pollutants, reduce the impact of floods and provide important habitat for native birds and turtles.

"This funding aims to reduce the impacts on our local wetlands and restore their natural functioning," said Mr Bugden.

The Hawkesbury Nepean CMA's Wetland Project Officer, Trish Chadwick, is available to visit properties and provide expert advice on how to best conserve and rehabilitate wetlands.

The CMA's Wetlands Program has also funded restoration efforts on five Wetlands of National Importance in the catchment including Long Neck Lagoon, Pitt Town Lagoon and the Blue Mountains Upland Swamps.

To find out more contact Trish Chadwick at the Hawkesbury Nepean CMA's Windsor office (02) 4597 0050 or visit www.hn.cma.nsw.gov.au/topics/2150.html.

Media contact: Peter O'Malley 0400 461 792