PROGRESS is being made with three of Nature Glenelg Trust’s reserves thanks to the launch of the NGT Foundation in partnership with OneFortyOne Plantations.
Since the organisation formed in 2012, NGT has been able to secure three strategically located reserves: Eaglehawk Waterhole, Mount Burr Swamp and most recently Kurrawonga near Nelson.
As OFO has played a significant role as a major partner in the restoration project at the Mount Burr Swamp, the launch of the NGT Foundation is the latest initiative to stem from a long relationship between OFO and NGT.
NGT manager Mark Bachmann said yesterday the announcement was extremely significant and would allow the organisation to build funds to manage and restore the reserves.
“We are trying to detach ourselves from short-term funding cycles to set up a long-term reserve of funds that generates a sustainable income stream, which means we can do the basics to keep these reserves going,” Mr Bachmann said.
“It also gives people confidence that we can do what we say we are going to do long-term and show people we are planning for the future.”
OFO general manager Willie van Niekerk visited Kurrawonga yesterday and said he was proud of the ongoing relationship with NGT, which has led to the formation of the foundation.
“The relationship started with the Mount Burr wetland and it was good to go out there last year and see the biodiversity and how wildlife has regenerated at that location,” Mr Van Niekerk said.
“It was good to see the success of the project and we realised if we want to help make it sustainable, we have to step up our efforts in this area.”
With one of OFO’s key values being giving back to the environment, Mr Van Niekerk said NGT’s commitment and passion for the reserves made it easy to commit to the newly formed foundation.
“You can see the success of what they are doing and the pride they take in it, so you know it’s money that will a sustainable investment,” Mr Van Niekerk said.
The foundation has already received a great kick-start with OFO committing to three annual contributions of $20,000.
NGT will look to build on that through community donations.
“Contributions to the foundation will be preserved and in the future, when the balance has grown to a sufficient level, NGT will be able to derive a sustainable annual income from investment returns,” Mr Bachmann said.
“Every $20 donated to the foundation will eventually generate $1 in income every year and help us actively manage important areas like Mount Burr Swamp and Kurrawong in the future.”
Tax-deductible donations to the NGT Foundation can be made by visiting www.ngt.org.au or by calling the NGT regional office on 08 8797 8596.
