Honeyeater gets a boost

By Kath Gannaway
THE future of the endangered helmeted honeyeater is looking a little more promising.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, Monbulk MP James Merlino and Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, announced on Friday that $416,000 from the State Budget has been allocated for the continuation of the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program.
Ms Lobato and Mr Merlino joined the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater president Bob Anderson and treasurer Margot Craddock at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve to make the announcement.
Mr Anderson welcomed the announcement and said the friends group was pleased to see its submission had born fruit.
He added he was hopeful that the money, which had gone to Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability, would be spent in the reserve on revegetation and weed control to improve the birds’ habitat.
Ms Lobato said: “This is fantastic news for this endangered species, which is one of Victoria’s state emblems.” Mr Merlino said preventing the extinction of the helmeted honeyeaters relied on the protection and enhancement of the birds’ habitat.
He said the funding would allow for the revegetation of the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and enable the establishment of new wild bird populations.
“As well as revegetation, there is also important work to be done including fencing and the removal of pest plants and animals,” he said.