February 21, 2017
Green thumbs up for environmental projects
The environmental protection of the Swan region has been given another huge boost, with over $360,000 in grants awarded to 47 projects under the Swan Alcoa Landcare Program (SALP). Local volunteers were duly recognized for their tireless contributions to the projects at a ceremony held in Kings Park today.
Nineteen community action groups will undertake projects ranging from invasive weed control, restoring biodiversity, improving water quality in waterways and restoring areas of natural bush land.
A joint initiative of Alcoa of Australia, the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Perth NRM, SALP has provided more than $8 million in funding to community groups and delivered over 1000 projects throughout the Swan Canning Catchment since its inception in 1999.
Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said Alcoa was proud to support a program that delivers long-term community benefits and protects local biodiversity.
“Next time you enjoy a stroll around your local lake, river or bushland or stop to admire the native plants and wildlife — know it’s more than likely SALP volunteers have played a hand in some way over the past 19 years,” he said.
“These community groups are outstanding ambassadors for the environment. Their passion, vision and endless hours of hard work are truly inspiring and allow all of us to enjoy local bushlands, rivers and parks for years to come.”
Examples of recipients of this year’s grants include the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group for their work restoring the Upper Canning, Southern and Wungong catchment area, Friends of Bennett Brook for improving the biodiversity and water quality in Bennett Brook Reserve and to assist Baigup Wetland Interest Group towards sustainable weed management for Baigup Wetland.
More information on the successful SALP grant recipients, their projects and the SALP program can be found on the Perth NRM website www.perthnrm.com/projects/swan-alcoa-landcare-program
-ENDS-
Media contacts:
Melinda McAndrew, Manager, Swan Alcoa Landcare Program, Perth NRM melinda.mcandrew@perthnrm.com
Abi Smalley, Communications Manager, Perth NRM abi.smalley@perthnrm.com