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$3.1 million for parks and environmental projects

The Minister for Conservation and Land Management, Marie Tehan, has announced $3.1 million for parks projects in the metropolitan area.

48 projects have been funded as part of the Parks Victoria Grants Program for 1999-2000. Grants have been made to local government, committees of management and other park management agencies.

"Thirty-two grants totalling $2.3 million will be provided to Councils throughout the metropolitan area," the Minister said.

"This year will see further progress in the development of the Bay Trail. Three projects worth $735,000 will complete important sections of trail in Frankston, Altona and Black Rock. When fully constructed, this trail will provide environmentally sensitive access all the way around the coastline of Port Phillip," she said.

Environmental projects include the protection of habitat for the Eltham Copper Butterfly; enhancement of platypus habitat in Jackson’s Creek, Sunbury; revegetation works along Cardinia Creek near Berwick; and the re-establishment of rare Basalt Plains grassland species near Merri Creek.

Community revegetation programs around Melbourne will be supported through Greening Australia’s Spring Planting Festival, which will put over 250,000 plants in the ground this year.

New visitor facilities will be provided in President’s Park, Wyndham; at the rehabilitated Northcote Tip site; Police Paddocks at Endeavour Hills; and Toolern Creek at Melton. The Frankston foreshore boardwalk will be extended, protecting sensitive dune vegetation. Another boardwalk is planned for East Creek at Point Leo Foreshore Reserve.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Conservation and Land Management, August 24, 1999)