Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore
Ms Carol Berry, Member for Whitlam
The Albanese Government is investing $600,000 to monitor and restore saltmarshes and riparian habitat across three locations on the NSW South Coast.
The commitment, made by the Albanese Government during the 2025 election campaign, will improve the condition of at least 60 hectares of coastal saltmarsh and associated threatened ecological communities on the Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Burrill Lake and Lake Illawarra.
Saltmarshes provide important habitat for fish, birds and crustaceans, while acting as a filter for nutrients and sediment to reduce erosion and maintain water quality.
The project will be led by OzFish, and includes weed removal, planting native species, community workshops and events, debris removal and ecosystem health assessments.
It will engage at least 100 local OzFish members and volunteers, allowing the community to contribute to meaningful environmental restoration and fostering community stewardship.
The funding is part of the Albanese Government's Local Environmental Projects Program that is protecting and improving our environment and heritage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"This funding will deliver meaningful action to conserve, protect and sustainably manage saltmarshes along the NSW South Coast.
"The Albanese Government is investing in projects that encourage local communities to connect and care for nature, empowering Australians to achieve improved outcomes for the environment around the country."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP:
"Being a coastal electorate, our local waterways are so important to our community.
"We have many community groups engaged with keeping our waterways clean, and I am pleased to support OzFish, so that local volunteers can help maintain our important saltmarshes in the Clyde River and Burrill Lake."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP:
"Lake Illawarra is a treasured part of our community, and its saltmarshes play an important role in keeping the lake healthy. The Local Environmental Projects Program will give local volunteers the support they need to continue their long standing work to restore and protect this fragile habitat.
"It's a great example of investing in the environment while strengthening our community's connection to Country, each other and to the places we care about."
