COASTAL CONSERVATION PROJECT BENEFITS FROM $1M FUNDING INITIATIVE

Earlier this year, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) awarded $855,000 to 23 new projects as part of a $1M Community Environment Grants Program delivered as part of the Australian Government’s $6M Wild Otways Initiative. 

Local environmental group ANGAIR received a grant of $50,519 to rehabilitate and protect the Painkalac Valley, one of Victoria’s most important and significant estuarine regions, containing nationally significant wetlands and habitat for threatened species. 

The project is rehabilitating a coastal wetland on the property of Mick Loughnan, a generous and active member of ANGAIR. Mick has transformed this once cleared property into a sanctuary for native birds and threatened small mammals such as the Swamp Antechinus.  

The project will establish a corridor for native animals from the Painkalac Creek to the nearby shrubby forest and woodlands, by revegetating and restoring the ephemeral wetland. This unique area provides an opportunity to re-establish one of the most biologically diverse and threatened habitats in Australia, our coastal wetlands. 

ANGAIR’s Mick Loughnan says, “By rehabilitating this area, we will not only restore the flora but also provide habitat for birds, native animals and tiny mammals, as well as improve water quality in the Painkalac Creek”. 

This project is supported by the Corangamite CMA through funding from the Australian Government’s Environment Restoration Fund.

Corangamite CMA CEO John Riddiford said this project delivers critical on-ground works for our community, local environment, and threatened species protection. 

“This project demonstrates the community’s hands-on commitment to environmental conservation. In addition, these projects will foster an ongoing legacy of community involvement and education within the Corangamite Region,” said Mr Riddiford.