14/10/2005 - Norfolk Island’s rainforests and unique Norfolk Island Pines will continue to flourish thanks to $240,000 from the Australian Government’s $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).

The funding boost was announced today by Australian Ministers for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran; and Norfolk Island Minister for the Environment, Stephanie Jack.
The Ministers said the funds would include revegetation projects involving planting threatened species.

Senator Campbell said $60,000 priority project funding for revegetation works reflected strong community concerns and placed a protective arm around the unique ecosystems and endangered species of the Island.
“Norfolk Island has 178 species of native plants, 40 of which - including the majestic Norfolk Island Pine and the statuesque Philip Island Hibiscus - are unique to the Island. It’s important we take care of them all for Islanders and visitors alike,” Senator Campbell said.
“Revegetation will involve community groups to replant endangered species and participate in initiatives to prevent erosion, such as planting ground covers at Headstone, Point Ross and Anson Bay.”

Mr McGauran said foundation funding provided $80,000 for the development of the Norfolk Island Natural Resource Management Plan and $100,000 for a hydrological study to provide direction for sustainable use of recycled and groundwater resources.
“The development of the Norfolk Island Natural Resource Management Plan will pull together years of work done by many experts and will involve extensive community consultation to help develop a plan that ensures the protection and sustainable use of the Island’s land, vegetation and water resources,” Mr McGauran said.

“The hydrological study will develop a better understanding of interactions between groundwater and surface water and appreciation of the best ways to use recycled water. This will benefit the environment by more productive and efficient management of water resources.”

Mrs Jack said the new projects would complement recently announced NHT funding of $650,000 to introduce a green waste management system on the Island.
“The revegetation works will involve substantial planting of local native species to displace weeds and restore habitats,” she said. New plantings will also utilise mulch from the processed green waste.”
The Ministers congratulated everyone involved and said they looked forward to seeing community and government working together, developing local solutions to local problems.
An outline of the Natural Resource Management programmes being funded is below.