Henderson pledges to help save the hoodies

CORANGAMITE Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson has pledged up to $100,000 in recovery programs for the hooded plover if her party retains government.

Ms Henderson said the funding would build on existing work to protect plover nests and increase the rate of chick survival.

“The hooded plover is one of 20 priority bird species under the Threatened Species Strategy and working through Birdlife Australia, this funding would build on nest protection, monitoring and other recovery actions.

“Activities will take place across the full nesting range of the Hooded Plover in Victoria and South Australia.”

Environment Minister Melissa Price said the funding would be provided from the Morrison Government’s $100 million Environmental Restoration Fund announced in the 2019-20 budget.

The Environment Restoration Fund has three priority areas: protecting threatened and migratory species and their habitats; improving Australia’s coasts, oceans and waterways; and increasing recycling of waste.

“This fund will invest in protecting threatened and migratory species and their habitats, making a difference to save species from extinction by restoring habitat, reducing threats like feral species, supporting captive-breeding programs, and creating safe havens for species at risk,” Ms Price said.

The 2019-20 budget includes a $3.8 billion investment in environmental measures, including the $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package.