Bushcare program grant - Shire of Kalamunda

30/9/98

The Shire of Kalamunda has received $74,250 to help conserve remnant vegetation, identify significant remnant communities, develop management plans and control dieback using fungicide.

The grant is from the Natural Heritage Trust's Bushcare program for urban bushland management projects, announced today by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes.

"Dieback - caused by Phytophthora - is a significant threat to the quality and extent of native vegetation in Western Australia," Mrs Edwardes said.

"This project will contribute greatly to the control of this pathogen in the hills area.

"This funding is fitting recognition of the work being undertaken by the Shire of Kalamunda in urban bushland management."

Mrs Edwardes said 12 projects had been funded under Bushcare to increase the quality and extent of bushland in urban areas. A further three projects would be funded in the near future.

The funds recognised the importance of urban bushland areas in protecting the State's unique flora and fauna.

"The Bushcare funding will assist with the valuable work already being undertaken by community groups in urban bushland," she said.

Media contacts: Ministerial: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777

Kalamunda: John Nicolson 9479 4808