Mr BAIRD (1:53 PM) —I rise today to congratulate groups taking part in four worthy environmental projects in my electorate that have received a combined total of over $35,000 in government funding under the Coastcare scheme. The first is the Lilli Pilli Bushcare Group, who I visited last Friday. They are carrying out bush regeneration and removing rubbish from the last remnants of Sutherland shire littoral rainforest in Lilli Pilli Reserve. The group's work will reduce erosion, improve access to the foreshore and encourage people to visit and enjoy the reserve.

Secondly, the Cabin Communities Landcare Group are building a walking track on the Royal National Park coast between Bundeena and Werong, where there has been significant erosion in the past. Signage will also be installed to educate visitors about the local environment. Thirdly, the Bundeena Reserve Bushcare Group will rehabilitate the foreshore of Bundeena Reserve, which also contains remnants of Sutherland shire's littoral rainforest. Large areas of asparagus fern, a significant pest in the area, will be removed. Finally, the Silver Beach Dunecare Group in Kurnell are looking to rehabilitate the vegetation of Bonna Point Reserve, which contains remnants of Kurnell dune forest, an endangered ecological community. The remnants will be fenced off and weeded to encourage natural regeneration. The planted areas of the reserve will be weeded, mulched and extended.

One of our great assets in Cook is our beautiful coastline. It includes some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast of New South Wales. The work being done by these volunteers is extremely important. Congratulations to all the volunteers on their hard work and for receiving much deserved government support. (Time expired)