A new four-wheel drive vehicle has handed a local not-for-profit organisation the ability to get to different bushland sites and carry the equipment they need to do the task at hand everyday.
Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group recently applied for a Stronger Communities government grant, which gave the group half of the funds needed to purchase the new vehicle.
Landcare support officer Ross Wylie said the grant came just at the right time as the group’s old vehicle was close to becoming unsafe and expensive to repair.
“It was smaller and could not carry the same amount of gear and while it was a capable four-wheel drive it had a very thirsty petrol engine and cost quite a bit to run which was taking money that could be spent on achieving on-ground results for our sites,” he said.
“The new vehicle is capable of towing a greater load to more areas, saving us time in transporting plants to sites and allowing us to do more with the funding that we have.”
The group, which is funded through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Riverbank, Community Rivercare, Perth Natural Resource Management Swan Alcoa Landcare and State Natural Resource Management Programs, frequently visited sites that were difficult to get to in an ordinary vehicle.
“We are committed to restoring the rivers and remnant bushland throughout the Armadale and Gosnells region, in order to improve water quality in the rivers, create and protect wildlife habitat and also enhance these areas for the use and enjoyment of the local population,” Mr Wylie said.
“Without the materials and resources that grant funding allows us to access, none of this would be possible.”
Federal Member Matt Keogh said the Burt Stronger Communities Program provided grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 for capital projects that improve community participation and contribute to the vibrancy and viability of the community.
“Across our electorate we are lucky to have some beautiful flora and fauna and the Armadale Gosnells Landcare group do a fantastic job maintaining and expanding that,” he said.
“The provision of a dedicated vehicle means they can carry plants and equipment more efficiently and are not reliant on volunteers vehicles.”
The remaining 50 per cent of the cost of the vehicle was raised by the group.
