The Federal Liberal Government is continuing to support a program to remove Rice Grass in the Rubicon Estuary in Port Sorell with a further $260,000 provided under the Environment Restoration Fund.

Liberal Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce said the ongoing commitment was designed to consolidate the work done to date and undertake further removal of this invasive weed.

“Flowing into Port Sorell, the Rubicon Estuary is arguably one of the most picturesque river systems in the state,” Mr Pearce said.

“Unfortunately, the invasive Rice Grass weed is taken hold threatening vegetation, bird and fish populations and the overall health of the ecosystem.

“The Federal Government has been supporting the removal of Rice Grass in the Rubicon since 2019 and this ongoing funding will ensure that this vital environmental restoration program can continue.

“The additional funding will ensure that the current 525 ha that has already been treated and now forms the Rice Grass Free Zone can be maintained and an additional 120 ha of the larger 225 ha infestation in the upper estuary can be treated.”