Eligible landholders and community groups have been encouraged to apply for their share of $7.5 million from the NSW Government to help fund valuable projects through the Fencing Northern Basin Riverbanks Program.
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said a highlight of the program was the construction of 500 kilometres of riparian riverbank fencing.
"This program is a win-win for landholders and native fish species," Mr Marshall said.
"The fencing funded through this initiative will not only keep livestock safe, but by controlling their access to areas of our river system, it will also help improve water quality and fish habitat.
"The beauty of this program is it will allow funding to be provided to grass roots projects that will make a real difference, so I encourage landholders who think they could be eligible to contact their closest Local Land Services (LLS) office."
The program is targeting riverbanks across NSW include stretches of the Darling, Macquarie, Little, Bell, Gwydir, Macintyre and Dumaresq rivers.
Landholders from the Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands, North West, Central West and Western LLS regions are encouraged to enquire.
Round one Expressions of Interest will close on Friday, 19 November 2021 and can be lodged via the LLS website.
Other activities under the program will include exotic woody weed control, revegetation, river re-snagging for fish habitat and minor erosion control works that protect native fish and contribute to a healthier river system.
Minister for Water Melinda Pavey said improving water quality would go a long way to better supporting our environment, farmers and regional communities.
"Severe drought over the past three years certainly stressed our river system, but as NSW recovers, it's important we are finding ways to better protect environmentally sensitive areas of the Basin," Mrs Pavey said.
Local Land Services will deliver the program in NSW and can provide interested landholders with dedicated support officers to assist with the development of projects on their properties and to meet the program's guidelines.
