You are here

Wheatbelt wins from latest community grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wheatbelt wildlife enthusiasts will now have access to motion trigger cameras to help them spy on native fauna in their own backyards. Natural resource management group Wheatbelt NRM has announced the latest winners in its community small grants scheme. Nearly $100,000 has been given to 10 community groups to assist them with projects to improve biodiversity conservation. Funding is through the Australian government’s Caring for our Country program. Wheatbelt NRM’s Rebecca Palumbo said 10 motion sensitive cameras would be bought for the Wallatin Wildlife and Landcare group in the Kellerberrin shire. “The cameras that have been operating in the Wheatbelt for the past couple of years have resulted in rare finds,” Rebecca Palumbo said. “Some footage includes a rare baby chuditch, mallee fowl preparing their mounds and an echidna train. “The projects will result in more than 200 community members participating in conservation activities.” Other projects to receive funding include a nest building workshop and revegetation with bush tucker species at Reserve Pool in Beverley. School children in the Wheatbelt will also benefit with funding for students to attend environmental education days. The Toodyay Naturalist Club’s Greg Warburton said work could now begin on a long awaited bird hide along the Avon River. “I am delighted that with this funding we will be able to build a bird hide that will help us connect the community to the natural environment of the river,” he said. “The area is a refuge for native birds over the summer months and is easily accessible to the public.” The project will also include signage and begin in July and finish in March 2013. Media contact: Rebecca Palumbo, Wheatbelt NRM, 9690 2250