Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips got her hands dirty when she joined OzFish members and volunteers for an environmental restoration project on the shores of Burrill Lake on Saturday.

Mrs Phillips joined the saltmarsh spring planting day hosted by OzFish and funded through the Albanese Labor Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program.

“Burrill Lake is one of four sites across the South Coast where important saltmarshes and riparian habitats are being restored and monitored,” Mrs Phillips said.

“It’s so great to see OzFish chapters now operating in the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla, with recreational fishers and community volunteers working together to improve the condition of saltmarshes at Burrill Lake, Lake Illawarra and on the Clyde River at Batemans Bay.

“It’s so important to restore habitat for birds, crustaceans and fish, and it means better fishing for locals and visitors as well.”

The Albanese Labor Government committed $600,000 during the 2025 election campaign to improve the condition of about 60 hectares of coastal saltmarsh and associated threatened ecological communities on the South Coast.

Saltmarshes provide important habitat, while also acting as a filter for nutrients and sediment to reduce erosion and maintain water quality.

Led by OzFish, the projects include weed removal, planting native species, community workshops and events, debris removal and ecosystem health assessments.

Mrs Phillips said it was great to see so many people out on the headwaters of Burrill Lake on Saturday, including on Milton farmland and at Cupitt’s Estate.

“Being a coastal electorate, I know that our local waterways are so important to our community,” she said.

“This is a great example of investing in the environment while building community awareness and strengthening connection to Country and special places we care about.”

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the funding was delivering meaningful action to conserve, protect and sustainably manage saltmarshes.

“The Albanese Government is investing in projects that encourage local communities to connect and care for nature, empowering Australians to achieve improved outcomes for the environment around the country,” he added.

PHOTO: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with volunteers at the Burrill Lake OzFish saltmarsh planting day.