Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Coffs Coast is being given more opportunities to improve outcomes for native fish in our region.
Mr Singh said applications have opened for the NSW Government’s Habitat Action Grants program, which funds practical, on-ground rehabilitation works aimed at improving fish habitats and the environment.
“Previously we’ve seen the improvement of waterways through revegetation with native plants, the reintroduction of lost woody habitat into rivers and estuaries for fish, and more,” Mr Singh said.
Mr Singh said successful local organisations and projects in a previous round of funding in 2021 included:
- Envite Environment ($15,952) – Mangrove Habitat Restoration in Woolgoolga Lake North. This rehabilitation project involves controlling weeds and dispersing native seed to assist natural regeneration. It will promote the interaction between mangroves and mudbanks, resulting in greater fish habitat.
- Orara Rivercare ($40,000) – Urumbilum River Erosion – Freshwater Cod. Flash flooding in February 2020 caused severe erosion of a section of the Urumbilum River where eastern freshwater cod and other freshwater species live. The project will repair the site for fish habitat and have improved water quality.
“The best thing about these grants is they are ideas conceived by and led by locals, for our local area,” Mr Singh said.
To find out more, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/rehabilitating/ahr-grants-program
