Grants available to help protect grey box grassy woodlands

CREATE A HEALTHY LANDSCAPE… The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is providing grants for landholders to improve and protect grey box grassy woodlands. Photo: Supplied.
CREATE A HEALTHY LANDSCAPE… The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is providing grants for landholders to improve and protect grey box grassy woodlands. Photo: Supplied.
CREATE A HEALTHY LANDSCAPE… The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is providing grants for landholders to improve and protect grey box grassy woodlands. Photo: Supplied.
CREATE A HEALTHY LANDSCAPE… The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is providing grants for landholders to improve and protect grey box grassy woodlands. Photo: Supplied.

GOULBURN Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has recently announced that grants are available for landholder to carry out works to improve and protect grey box grassy woodlands on their properties through the Linking Landscapes and Communities Project.

Goulburn Broken CMA ecologist, Dr Jenny Wilson said the woodlands were an important part of the natural environment.

“They provide habitat for a range of species including nationally threatened swift parrots, regent honeyeaters, turnip copperburr and small purple tea,” Dr Wilson said.

“As part of the project we’re providing incentives to landholders to carry out actions such as revegetation, pest plant and animal control and fencing to manage stock access.”

Dr Wilson said similar activities carried out by landholders involved in previous projects showed that once on-ground works were completed, farmers noticed a range of environmental, social and economic benefits.

“As well as creating a healthy landscape and attracting native birds and wildlife, improving habitat will increase the chances of many species’ ability to adapt to changes in climate,” Dr Wilson said.

“These types of activities also increase productivity and the value of farms; what we call ‘nature at work.’ More native vegetation attracts insects with pollination and managing weeds improves soil health.”

If you are interested in being involved in this project, please find more information, eligibility criteria and the EOI form at www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/funding_opportunities or contact Dr Jenny Wilson at jennyw@gbcma.vic.gov.au or 5822 7700.