INFFER helps win competitive funding from Caring for our Country

A detailed INFFER assessment has contributed to major new funding being award to North Central Catchment Management Authority. The North Central CMA is delighted to receive news of major funding for the Moolort Plains wetlands in central Victoria.  On the 8th September Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig announced funding of $919,000 for the project as part of the Gillard Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. This makes it the third largest single investment nationally from this funding round. An assessment was conducted using the INFFER Project Assessment Form prior to submission for funding and this played a crucial role in ensuring the proposed project was robust and cost-effective.

The project will protect and enhance priority wetlands in the Moolort area of the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. These magnificent wetlands have been identified as one of the most significant environmental assets in the North Central Region. The focus will be on management and restoration using buffer fencing; invasive plant and animal control; facilitated regeneration and revegetation; and the development of in-perpetuity management agreements. Educational material will be produced to support an integrated program of education and awareness-raising activities. The North Central CMA will partner with the Moolort Landcare Group, Trust for Nature, Birds Australia and the Shires of Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields in implementing the project.

Long Swamp is a jewel amongst the wetland treasures of the Moolort Plains.