Nature Foundation distribute Wildlife Recovery Fund to support regional South Australia
Regional
The Wildlife Recovery Fund is now open for applicants to support the recovery of South Australia’s bushfire-affected flora and fauna.
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The Nature Foundation and National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia have joined forces to manage the $400,000 in donations received into the Wildlife Recovery Fund to ensure the money is spent on priority recovery activities.
The fund was established to help the recovery of wildlife and plants after 300,000 hectares of South Australian bush was destroyed by fires last summer.
Recovery grants of up to $50,000 are on hand to help re-establish habitat and native animals.
Nature Foundation Chair Jan Ferguson OAM said the supportive community response to the Wildlife Recovery Fund following the South Australian bushfires has been incredible.
“The fund has attracted wonderful generous donations from across Australia and overseas with 100 per cent of donations going towards wildlife and habitat recover work,” said Ferguson.
Wildlife and Habitat Recover Taskforce chair Dr Felicity-Ann Lewis said the taskforce provides coordination for the recovery of South Australia’s natural environment after the bushfires.
“Local landholders, farmers and community groups in bushfire-affected areas, as well as research institutions, non-for-profit organisations, and landscape boards are eligible to apply for the grants,” Dr Lewis said.
Money from the Wildlife Recovery Fund will also be directed to restore habitat in fire-devastated national parks, particularly on Kangaroo Island.
South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Spiers said the grants are intended to go towards recovery projects such as feral animal and weed control, native plant regeneration and projects to support species affected by the bushfires.
To coincide with the recovery projects, South Australia’s national parks and reserves will also reopen on Monday, as restrictions on regional travel are lifted.
“Earlier this week we saw a huge response to our reopening of campgrounds in South Australia’s national parks with nearly 900 people making bookings in the first 24 hours,” Minister Spiers said.
The Wildlife Recovery Fund continues to accept donations through the Nature Foundation website and are tax deductable.
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