Funding for two environmental projects aimed at improving
land management in the Katherine River catchment area has been given a
substantial boost by Vista Gold.
The two projects, initiated by the Katherine Landcare Group,
deal with the management of weeds by landowners in the Katherine River
catchment and improving degraded sites throughout the Katherine region.
Landcare Project Manager Jamie Lewis said the $5,000 funding
could not have come at a better time.
“We have had an overwhelming response to these projects,
with initial funding now complete the Vista Gold support will enable us to
continue to engage with local landowners to improve the river catchment.”
Vista Gold’s funding will support Landcare’s “Need help with
weeds” and “Protecting the biodiversity of the Katherine, Edith, Cullen and
Ferguson river catchments” projects.
The “Need help with weeds” project provides herbicide, loan
equipment and advice to landholders in the Katherine River catchment to enable
them to identify and treat infestations of invasive woody weeds on their
properties and adjacent crown lands.
“In the past 12 months this project engaged nearly 70 rural
landholders and managed woody weeds over 260 hectares. Vista Gold’s
contribution will enable this project to continue and expand,” Mr Lewis said.
“Through the additional funding we will also be able to grow
several thousand native seedlings for revegetation under the biodiversity
project.”
Vista Gold Australia General Manager Brent Murdoch said that
the company was pleased to assist and welcomed the partnership with Landcare.
“Looking after the environment in which we operate is our
highest priority,” he said.
“Working with Landcare to build a better future for the
Edith and Katherine Rivers will benefit the whole of the community. This
partnership gives us an opportunity to share information we have gathered
through our water monitoring program and contribute to community based
activities.”
The Katherine Landcare projects are also generously
supported by the Katherine Town Council, Landmark, Territory NRM and the
Department of Land Resource Management.
Media enquiries: Jeannette Button on 8941 9169, 0407 727
080
