The Department of Primary Industries and EnviTE will receive grants of $99,804 and $100,000 respectively under the NSW Government Restoration and Rehabilitation program, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis announced last week. “These grants will be used to bring back the riparian snags to the Coldstream River and to restore the natural values of the Yuraygir National Park through the control of bitou bush and other coast weeds,” Mr Gulaptis said. In all, 56 NSW community groups and government organisations will share $5.2 million in Restoration and Rehabilitation grant funding to undertake projects that protect, restore and improve the environment. “This grants program aims to encourage and enable community and government organisations to protect important ecosystems and habitats of rare and endangered species and prevent or minimise future environmental damage,” Mr Gulaptis said. Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the 56 projects funded under this year’s round of grants were for a range of habitat and ecosystem restoration projects. “Communities have invaluable knowledge and passion for their local bushland, wildlife, heritage and ecological sustainability,” Mr Speakman said. “These grants acknowledge and support these on-ground works and together these projects form a network of environmental initiatives, making a difference.” To see the full list of recipients and project descriptions visit: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/restoration.htm