Local peat swamp restoration project selected to receive bushfire recovery funding

The Building capacity for resilience and recovery of threatened ecological community project will be undertaken by the University of New South Wales.

Temperate Highland Peat Swamps play a critical role in filtering water around bushland. If the swamps are dry, they can increase fuel for bushfires.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley, who met with local experts and officials in February, said the funding would help native wildlife and habitat recover from the devastation of summer's bushfires.

"We have made a $200 million commitment to the long-term recovery of threatened species, native animals and local habitats," Minister Ley said.

"We are working with ecologists, Indigenous leaders, bushfire experts, scientists, wildlife experts and community organisations in preparing strategies to build back better for our wildlife and landscapes."

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne, said the project would help deliver better environmental outcomes and contribute to the management of bushfire risks.

"Supporting the unique wildlife and habits in the Hawkesbury is an absolute priority as part of the Morrison Government's plan to support the environment in the wake of the 2019-20 bushfires," Senator Payne.

"So is harnessing the insights and expertise of local organisations, which is why Minister Ley and I organised a roundtable earlier this year to help steer the local recovery effort.

"Delivering this initial tranche of funding to protect the swamps is a good outcome from those discussions."

More information about the work to support bushfire recovery for wildlife and habitat is on the Department's website: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/bushfire-recovery.