Grant welcomed to re-establish wetlands

ONE of the Surf Coast and Victoria’s most significant estuarine regions will be rehabilitated thanks to a funding initiative.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) awarded local environmental group ANGAIR $50,519 for the rehabilitation and protection of the Painkalac Valley.

Painkalac Valley, located at Aireys Inlet, is considered one of Australia’s most significant wetlands and a habitat for threatened species.

The project will rehabilitate a coastal wetland in the Painkalac Valley on the property of ANGAIR member and volunteer, Mick Loughnan.

Mr Loughnan transformed his once-cleared property into a welcoming habitat for native birds and threatened small mammals.

ANGAIR will establish a corridor for native animals from the Painkalac Creek to the nearby shrubby forest and woodlands, by revegetating and restoring the ephemeral wetland.

This unique area provides an opportunity to re-establish one of the most biologically diverse and threatened habitats in Australia – coastal wetlands.

“By rehabilitating this area, we will not only restore the flora but also provide habitat for birds, native animals and tiny mammals, as well as improve water quality in the Painkalac Creek,” Mr Loughnan said.

Corangamite CMA CEO John Riddiford said the project would enable ANGAIR to carry out critical work for the local environment, community and threatened species in the region.

“This project demonstrates the community’s hands-on commitment to environmental conservation. In addition, these projects will foster an ongoing legacy of community involvement and education within the Corangamite region,” Mr Riddiford said.

The grant is part of a $1 million Community Environment Grants Program which has awarded $855,000 to 23 new projects so far and stems from the Australian government’s $6 million Wild Otways Initiative.