Federal MP for Page Janelle Saffin today announced Australian Government investment totalling more than $1 million for three heritage conservation projects aimed at boosting jobs in Page and the neighbouring electorate of Richmond.

Ms Saffin said the largest project -- $917,200 to improve a 45-kilometre network of walking tracks through Australia’s ‘Green Cauldron National Landscape’ – is expected to create 20 long term jobs in Lismore, Kyogle and Murwillumbah.

She said the other two successful projects were $181,818 for the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society to repair the town’s community research centre and construct an archive building, and $91,907 for the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre to build a trench barrier around its Keen Street building in Lismore’s CBD to protect against soil subsidence caused by tree roots.

Ms Saffin said the three projects announced by Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Peter Garrett were part of the second round of the Jobs Fund heritage initiative.

Under the Australian Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund, $60 million was directly available for projects relating to the nation’s historic, Indigenous and natural heritage places.

“I join with my colleague, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, in welcoming Minister   Garrett’s special interest in the national parks of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and how they protect five remnant Gondwana rainforest types,” Ms Saffin said.

“These parks are hotspots for biodiversity, including some of the highest concentrations of threatened species in Australia.

“The project will result in the re-opening of tracks which have been closed due to poor or dangerous conditions and the rehabilitation of others to meet Australian standards.

“The work will improve public accessibility, protect natural and cultural heritage, and enhance tourism opportunities, particularly for Indigenous tourism. Recruitment will target local Indigenous people.”

Ms Saffin congratulated the project’s manager, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, and key stakeholders – EnviTE (Environmental Training & Employment) and Tursa Employment and Training, and the Wollumbin Consultative Group.