The Morrison Government has committed $604,000 to two projects on the Mornington Peninsula under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program, to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.
Federal Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt MP said the projects are part of 28 projects across the country to share in $8 million of grant funding.
“The Mornington Peninsula is blessed to be home to some of the most ecologically diverse coastline in Australia,” Minister Hunt said. “From the mangroves of Western Port to the reefs in Port Phillip Bay, the marine wildlife and coastal ecology of the Peninsula is a point of pride for all in our community.”
“To provide more support for our local environment, the Port Phillip Community Shellfish Reef Project will receive $299,000 to work with recreational fishers on fish habitat restoration while Reel Big Fish will work to restore mangrove vegetation throughout Western Port.”
“This builds on our current support for reef restoration in Port Phillip Bay, as well as our Government’s efforts to create a safe haven for birds, marsupials and endangered native animals on French Island.”
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said these projects would benefit recreational fishers by improving the health and productivity of habitats that support fish stocks and fisheries.
“Australia’s waterways are some of the best in the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It’s critical we keep our fisheries habitats healthy so we can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing into the future.
“This program will benefit Australia’s natural resource base and the broader community – especially our recreational fishers.
“We will be funding 28 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australian and Tasmania.
“This funding will see Regional Land Partnership providers and recreational fishing groups partner in rolling-up their sleeves to directly improve fish habitats.
“Together, they will work on surrounding vegetation and biodiversity in marine and estuarine areas, from tropical mangrove wetlands in Queensland, to building shellfish reefs on Kangaroo Island and restoring fish habitat damaged by moorings in southern Tasmania.”
The Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program is a 2019 government election commitment to provide $8 million to restore the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.