FEDERAL Member for Durack, Melissa Price has announced $140 000 in funding by the Australian Government for two projects in Durack under the 20 Million Trees Programme.

Ms Price said the 20 Million Trees Programme is a key election commitment, providing $50 million over four years to deliver tree planting projects across the country.

“This funding is going to where the action is—to Landcare, community groups and organisations to enable them to plant native trees and shrubs in their local communities,” Ms Price said.

Both projects that have been successful in the first round for the 20 Million Trees Programme are in the southern part of Durack.

“The Yanget Station project, on ground between Geraldton and Mullewa, will see the planting of almost 17 000 trees to improve connectivity for three threatened flora species including the Endangered Grevillea bracteosa.

“The River Connection project in the northern Wheatbelt includes the planting of more than 32 000 trees on the Cunjardine River, a key tributary of the Mortlock River and Avon-Swan River system. This project will provide habitat and food sources for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

“I congratulate the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Greening Australia. These projects will provide valuable benefits to the environment and for our local community” Ms Price said.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt said nationwide, funding of $4.5 million has been approved for 57 projects.

“The projects funded by the Australian Government through this first grant funding round will deliver up to 1.6 million native trees towards the 20 million trees target.

“These trees and other plants will contribute to re-establishing native vegetation, providing habitat to support threatened plants and animals, and creating greener spaces to improve the liveability of our cities and towns,” Minister Hunt said.

As well as the grants, the Australian Government will be running a tender process for service providers to undertake large-scale tree plantings. Details are available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.