Cumberland Conservation Corridor grant

Thursday, 30 April 2015

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM has welcomed the commitment to the Cumberland Conservation Corridor by Federal Minister for the Environment Hon Greg Hunt during his visit to Penrith today.

In the lead up to the 2013 federal Election, the Coalition committed $15 million towards the Cumberland Conservation Corridors in Greater Western Sydney. These corridors are primarily located in the Penrith LGA and provide essential biodiversity linkages between key bushland areas.

Two parcels of land have been set aside for conservation in Londonderry and will be managed under permanent conservation covenants by Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Funding for the corridor has three components: 

• $7.5 million for land acquisition and conservation covenants on high biodiversity value land;
• $5 million towards the 20 Million Trees program;
• $2.5 million for 15 Green Army teams to work on local conservation projects.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said it was important to conserve what remains of the Cumberland Plain Woodlands.

"It was estimated the woodlands once occupied an area of 107,000 hectares which has been under pressure by the spread of Sydney suburban areas," Cr Fowler said.

"Clearing the woodland for agriculture, housing as well as the introduction of exotic plants has its toll. Conserving what remains will go toward keeping balance in our natural environment."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 30 April 2015.