The Willunga Environment Centre has secured $40,000 to support a long-term rehabilitation project for the Aldinga Washpool thanks to the advocacy of the federal member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

The federal funding will allow the Centre’s Youth and Community in Conservation Action (YACCA) group to develop a plan for revegetation and rehabilitation of the nationally significant wetland through community engagement and education.

“No matter where I am in Mayo, the environment is always a top concern that is raised with me, so I am excited by this opportunity to support such a worthy community-led environment project,” Rebekha says.

“The long-term future of the Aldinga Washpool is an issue of concern for the local community because most of the site is owned by SA Water and is not a protected conservation area.

“I have written to the State Environment Minister David Speirs to request that he consider making the site a conservation area.”

Willunga Environment Centre Manager Janine Anninos says members were delighted to receive funding to develop the Wakondilla/Wangkondilla cultural connection to the Aldinga Washpool.

 “The project involves cross collaborative work with the local Aboriginal group, Kaurna Youth, and YACCA.

“The support from this grant allows us to engage our youth in cross-cultural experiences and is extremely positive.

Ms Sharkie has also welcomed the federal government's final approval of all grants shortlisted for Mayo under the Stronger Communities Program.

"This is good news for our electorate because these funds help grassroots organisations build up their communities and make them better places to live and work, which is what this program is all about." 

The successful Fleurieu and KI applicants announced to date include:

The Aldinga Bay Bowling Club received $8,380 for new mowing equipment.

The Willunga Bowling Club received $5,696 for shade structures.

The Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club received $5,542 to set up a ‘pop-up kitchen’ for the summer while their storm-damaged clubrooms are replaced.

The Yankalilla Hockey Club received $4,000 to install solar panels.

The Parawa Progress Association received $2,637 to install air conditioning.

The Anglican Church in Victor Harbor received $3,960 for installation of two air conditioners in their community hall.

The Advance Kingscote Progress Association received $8,500 to create an Art Trail around the hub of Kingscote.

The Goolwa Uniting Church received $20,000 to enlarge its kitchen to feed homeless, disabled and marginalised people in and around Goolwa.

Round 5 of the Stronger Communities Program opened in August last year.

The $22.65 million national funding stream offered up to $150,000 to each of the 151 electorates in Australia for small capital projects to improve community facilities.

Eligible community groups could apply for grants between $2,500 and $20,000 from the Federal Government and were required to match the project funds with their own finances or in-kind support.

"I elected to have an independent committee of community leaders shortlist the large number of expressions of interest we received for Mayo's $150,000 allocation," Rebekha says.

"Our committee used their local knowledge to prioritise the projects that would bring social benefits to our region.”