Rare and vulnerable native plants and animals will be given a better chance of survival thanks to a new Avon Catchment Council grants program. Individuals, community groups and local governments wanting to protect a site from animal and plant pests in the Avon River Basin can now apply for up to $15,000 in funding. Keen to take part is the Corrigin Shire Council, which has carried out a biodiversity survey on one of the Wheatbelt’s largest stands of remnant vegetation. The Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Sandy Turton said there’s evidence of the vulnerable Mallee Fowl and Shield-backed trapdoor spider in the 1200 hectares of bushland. “But we also found plenty of fox and cat tracks, which means all these animals are under threat,” Sandy Turton said. “Considering Mallee fowl are such a fragile species this type of funding is crucial to their survival.” The Avon Catchment Council’s project manager Rebecca Palumbo said the grants program was ideal for this type of conservation. “The funding can be used for baiting or weed control and will give people a helping hand when it comes to preserving precious remnant vegetation,” Rebecca Palumbo said. The program is worth $100,000 and is being funded through the state and Australian governments. The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday, 20th February 2009.Media contact: Rebecca Palumbo, ACC program manager, 9690 2250.