These small grants are being administered by the Southern Catchment Management Board under the Bushcare program that forms part of the Commonwealth Governmentís Natural Heritage Trust.

ìOne of the key priorities of the Southern Catchment Management Board is the retention of native vegetation and the restoration of habitat. This funding will allow local community groups to continue their work programs including bush regeneration, tree planting and educational activities,î said Paul Martin, Chairman of the Board.

The Ballallaba Krawarree Landcare group has been awarded $2260 to re-establish vegetation using direct seeding, creating vegetation and wildlife corridors between existing remnants. The Bombay Landcare Group has been awarded $3200 to test a number of revegetation techniques along the Bombay Creek, investigating alternative options for managing scotch broom.

Jim Sturgiss, local representative on the Southern Catchment Management Board presented the groups with their grants at the recent meeting of the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council.

ìThe Board is also pleased to announce that a further $27,000 funding will be available for small bushcare projects from the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Hacking catchments in early 2002.î

If community groups are interested in applying for funding they should contact Rebecca Cole 4842 2594, Colin Mitchell 4423 0122 or Jane Caldwell 4224 9660.