THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
THE HON EMMA MCBRIDE MP
MEMBER FOR DOBELL
DR. GORDON REID MP
MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON
MEDIA RELEASE
WIN FOR THE GREEN AND GOLDEN BELL FROG
The Australian Government is investing $300,000 to support and protect the Avoca Lagoon’s Green and Golden Bell Frog population through research and habitat restoration.
Visiting Avoca Lagoon on the NSW Central Coast, Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek saw first-hand the work being undertaken to restore critical habit for the vulnerable frog.
The project is also supporting the comprehensive study of the frog’s local population, which will form the basis of future conservation decisions.
“I am thrilled to see the on-ground action being taken by the Central Coast Council to protect, restore and manage the Avoca Lagoon,” Minister Plibersek said.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog has faced a rapid population decline in recent years due to waterborne diseases and invasive predators.
It is now believed that they are only found in around 10% of their former range, surviving in a small number of isolated populations along the NSW Coast. Avoca Lagoon is one of the last known refuges for the frog.
“I’m pleased to have the Environment Minister here today on the Central Coast to see this important project firsthand,” said Emma McBride MP.
“This project involves critical research into population dynamics for the green and golden bell frog, distribution and habitat, and it will support future conservation decisions.”
“The Australian Government has committed to establishing the $224.5 million Saving Native Species Program that will boost protection for threatened species like this frog, arresting species decline and restoring populations of endangered plants and animals,” said Dr Gordon Reid MP.
“We want to ensure that the environment and biodiversity of the Central Coast is protected into the future for our kids and grandkids to enjoy.”
This important Central Coast Council project, supported under the Environment Restoration Fund, is undertaking frog population surveys and hydrological assessments of Avoca Lagoon before commencing targeted critical habitat restoration and rehabilitation works to improve the lagoon.
THURSDAY 11 AUGUST, 2022
