$1.1 million awarded to NSW Environmental Researchers

16 September 2024

‘Living’ boulders and seed production are some of the innovative environmental research projects to secure a share of $1.1 million from the NSW Environmental Trust.

Scientists surveying green spots in the outback

Six projects have been selected to progress their ground-breaking research that will help give NSW threatened species a better chance of survival in our changing climate.

The innovative projects trial new technology, test theories and think outside the box when it comes to developing strategies to save our species. Some of the projects receiving environmental research grants this year are:

Sydney Royal Botanic Garden & Domain Trust – awarded $135,435 to assess, monitor and improve seed production and genetic diversity to deliver high quality, climate-resilient seeds for native plant restoration projects.
Macquarie University – awarded $199,981 to evaluate the first ever in-water trials of Living Boulders, rock-shaped habitat modules that sustain diverse marine ecosystems and establish the evidence base for Living Boulders as an eco-friendly approach to shoreline protection.
Australian National University – awarded $199,824 to identify species(s) that pollinate underground orchids and the feasibility for training detection dogs to more reliably detect threats.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW – awarded $200,000 to work with First Nations communities in Western NSW to reduce the predation on threatened species.
University of Wollongong – awarded $198,727 to look at how peatlands in the Snowy Mountains will respond to climate change and quantify their value as carbon stores and water sources.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

'Climate change is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, so it’s critical that today’s scientists are looking at the best ways we can mitigate against impacts while there is still time.

'This research will provide invaluable data that will help to shape our collective conservation and cultural efforts for years to come.

'I look forward to seeing the results from these innovative projects and how they will contribute to our state’s conservation efforts.'

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