THE state government will sink $64,755 into helping Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council protect landscapes and waterways in a part of Hexham swamp.
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council received the grant on Monday afternoon for the Rocky Knob area.
Rocky Knob is a significant cultural site forming part of Hexham swamp, which is listed as a significant wetland in NSW and nationally.
“The grant funds will go towards revegetation as a buffer to surrounding residential development, and implementing a 1080 vertebrate pest control program to reduce threats to wetland and migratory bird species,” Mr MacDonald said.
Awabakal chief executive Robert Russell said the funding would enable them to provide screening from encroaching houses.
“It will also assist to reduce nutrients and sediments from entering the Hexham Swamp micro-environment, and to address feral predators like foxes to facilitate migratory shorebird breeding and other wildlife habitat,” he said.
“It also provides training and employment for local Aboriginal people in natural resource management”.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
