VOLUNTEERS have given 180,000 hours to more than 1300 Swan and Canning river catchment projects in the past two decades.
The Swan Alcoa Landcare Program celebrated its 20th anniversary recently by giving $338,000 in grants to 25 community volunteer groups in the Swan Region.
The community groups will deliver 53 environmental protection projects in the Swan Canning catchment.
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READ NOWVolunteers received recognition for their contributions to projects ranging from weed and feral animal control, restoration of natural areas of bushland, water quality and rehabilitation of threatened species at a ceremony in Kings Park on February 26.
The program provides community groups with a simple process to access funding and is a joint initiative of Alcoa of Australia, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Perth NRM.
Since its inception in 1998, it has provided more than $8 million in funding to community groups, with volunteers contributing 180,000 hours of their time to deliver more than 1300 catchment restoration projects.
Alcoa managing director Michael Parker said reaching 20 years of partnership was a “significant milestone” underpinned by “passionate people with a vision and a mindset of resourcefulness”.
Recent successes have been recognised through awards such as the 2017 WA Landcare Award and a certificate of merit from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) Awards for Excellence.
Perth NRM chairwoman Mariyon Slany said the organisation was proud of its staff, and the program had been a finalist in the community partnership category.
“It shows the strong position of Perth NRM in community landcare and celebrates an enduring environmental partnership,” she said.
At the ceremony Mr Parker announced additional investments as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations in 2018.
“$20,000 of community events funding, made up of $1000 grants, will encourage groups to host local celebration events to help attract the next generation of volunteers,” he said.
For more information, visit www.perthnrm.com/projects/swan-alcoa-landcare-program.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Friends of Lake Claremont: $8977 to extend wetland buffer on the east of around Lake Claremont. Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group: $6410 to strengthen ecological health of Pelican Point. Friends of Bennett Brook: $34,981 to improve biodiversity and water quality in the Bennett Brook Reserve. Baigup Wetlands Interest Group: $17,276 for Baigup Riverside Restoration Project. Friends of Mayland Samphire: $8437 to restore Maylands Samphire Saltmarsh. Chittering Valley LCDC: $31,465 for Stepping Stones to regional and local linkages in Chittering. Wannamal Lake Catchment Group: $13,462 for habitat repair and protection in the Udumumg Catchment. Ellen Brockman Integrated Catchment Group: $15,120 for Ellen Brook Catchment riparian rehabilitation and protection of priority species. Friends of Boya Trail: $3509 for Boya Trail protection and rehabilitation. Lower Helena Association: $14,813 for Lower Helena river wetland restoration. East Metropolitan Regional Council: $3039 to enhance biodiversity and protecting water quality in Perth’s Eastern region. Friends of Pioneer Park: $12,800 for heritage trail rehabilitation on Sawyers to Stoneville roads. Friends of Jarrah Creek Reserve: $7520 for weed control in Jarrah Creek Reserve and adjacent section of heritage trail. Friends of Jorgensen Park: $12,986 to restore Spring Road Creek along the Bibbulman Track, Jorgensen Park, Kalamunda. Friends of Lion Mill Creek: $7785 to restore Lion Mill Creek, Mount Helena. Friends of Forrestdale: $13,178 for Harrisdale Swamp rejuvenation. Friends of Wireless Hill: $6656 for ongoing restoration of biodiversity at Wireless Hill. Sercul: $14,175 for Blue Gum Lake. Mount Henry Peninsula Conservation Group: $11,600 for weed and feral animal control project. Friends of Mary Carroll Wetlands: $14,364 to restore Mary Carroll Park. Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group: $36,305 to restore the Upper Canning, Southern Wungong Catchment Area, Friends of the Spectacles: $6067 for 10 years of revegetation 2008-18 at the Spectacles Regional Park. Friends of Paganoni Swamp: $7934 to control invasive weeds to protect conservation values of Paganoni Swamp Reserve. Bannister Creek Catchment Group: $19,435 for habitat enhancement of bushland with the Bannister Creek Catchment. Bungendore Park Management Committee: $10,304 for weed control and dieback management in Bungendore Park.
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