Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP has today announced that local community groups across Gilmore will share in $140,430 for on-ground environmental projects thanks to the Australian Government’s Communities Environment Program.

The Gilmore MP made the announcement in Moruya with NSW WIRES Mid South Coast who have received $6,380 under the program to treat wombat mange across the South Coast.

“The South Coast has experienced a harrowing year that has impacted local people and our environment like never before, so I am thrilled to be announcing so many wonderful projects today,” Fiona Phillips said.

Tony Delafosse of WIRES Mid South Coast said the grant is fantastic news and will allow the group to expand the wombat mange treatment program across the region.

“We have noticed mange is particularly bad in the wombat population around Moruya and up the Deua River Valley.  The good news is that wild wombats can be treated for mange,” Mr Delafosse said.

Grants between $2500 and $20,000 will go towards 13 local projects from Kiama to Tuross Head for environmental action like controlling pests, regenerating bushland and monitoring the local koala population.

Exactly one year after her election as Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said she was pleased to be delivering fantastic community projects like these that will benefit so much of the community.

“Environmental regeneration will play a huge role in our recovery from the fires and this is great news for our local community,”

“We know the invaluable role WIRES and other groups like them played during the bushfires, and since, so it is wonderful to be able to support them in their great work protecting our precious local wildlife,” Fiona Phillips said.

“I want to sincerely thank all our local community groups for everything they have done to care for others during the bushfires – I have heard so many of these great stories of our true community spirit and it makes me so proud to be part of the South Coast,” Mrs Phillips said.

Landowners who think they have wombats with mange on their property can ring WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Funding has been granted to: