Centre Alliance secures $40,000 for Aldinga wetlands
Posted February 28, 2020
The Willunga Environment Centre has secured $40,000 to support a long-term rehabilitation project for the Aldinga Washpool thanks to the advocacy of the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.
Photograph: Willunga Environment Centre committee member Joy Forrest, left, Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and YACCA Co-ordinator Saskia Gerhardy.
The Federal funding will allow the Centre’s Youth and Community in Conservation Action (YACCA) group to develop a plan for revegetation and rehabilitation of the nationally significant wetland through community engagement and education.
“No matter where I am in Mayo, the environment is always a top concern that is raised with me, so I am excited by this opportunity to support such a worthy community-led environment project,” Rebekha said.
“The long-term future of the Aldinga Washpool is an issue of concern for the local community because the site is mostly owned by SA Water and is not a protected conservation area.
“I have written to the State Environment Minister David Speirs to request that he consider making the site a conservation area.
“In the meantime, this $40,000 provided through the Environment Restoration Fund will provide an opportunity to engage young people and the wider community in the restoration and cultural awareness of the site and build the case for its long-term protection."
Willunga Environment Centre Manager Janine Anninos said members were delighted to receive funding of $40,000 to develop the Wakondilla/Wangkondilla cultural connection to the Aldinga Washpool.
“This project aims to share information of the conservation and cultural heritage values of Aldinga Washpool with the wider community,” Janine said.
“The project involves cross collaborative work with the local Aboriginal group, Kaurna Youth, and YACCA.
“The support from this grant allows us to engage our youth in cross-cultural experiences and is extremely positive.
“We look forward to this project being the beginning of similar experiences and involvement.”
