FOUR areas of coastal salt marsh in Shellharbour City are to receive additional support thanks to a federal government grant of $42,400.
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Shellharbour City Council has accepted the grant to help protect four coastal salt marsh endangered ecological communities at Picnic Island, Pelican View Reserve, Myimbarr wetland and Tongarra Creek.
Shellharbour Council said the sites had been heavily impacted by invasive species including spiny rush, asparagus fern, senna and madeira vine.
Control of these species will also assist in the protection and regeneration of habitat for the threatened species Cynanchum elegans - also known as white-flowered wax plant which has been recently discovered at Picnic Island.
Illegal vehicle access to Pelican View Reserve was also causing significant damage.
The grant will be used to help fund weed control and stop illegal vehicle access.
The council said interpretive signage would be placed to help improve understanding of the values of coastal salt marsh and wetland.
Cr Peter Moran welcomed the funding and the council's acceptance, saying it was recognition of the importance of protecting the local environment.
"It is a recognition that council's views have changed," Cr Moran said.
The funds are going to 32 coastal wetland complexes in southern NSW.