Funding boost on offer for environmental groups

APPLICATIONS are open for the Victorian government’s latest round of Landcare grants and environmental volunteer groups are encouraged to apply.

Funding of up to $20,000 is available for projects aimed at community education or the protection and restoration of the natural environment, including on-ground works relating to native vegetation, wildlife, soil or waterways.

Support grants of $500 are also available to assist not-for-profit groups with administrative and operational expenses.

All community-based environmental volunteer groups are eligible for the grant program, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends group, conservation management networks, committees of management, Coastcare groups and First Nations groups.

Locally, the grants will be distributed by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

Corangamite CMA regional Landcare coordinator Kylie McLaren encouraged all eligible local groups to apply.

“Now is the time to put those projects forward that your Landcare and environmental volunteering group are ready to get start on,” she said.

“Jump online, read the Victorian Landcare Grants guidelines and start an application.”

Almost 250 projects were funded last year through the program, including plantings at Buckley Falls Park to improve the health of the Barwon River, the development of a new strategic plan and website for Bellarine Landcare Group and a variety of pest plant and animal management programs across the region.

“Volunteers are working hard all year round to ensure everyone can enjoy a healthy environment,” Ms McLaren said.

“This funding boost will make a world of difference for the on-ground outcomes, education and connection that can be achieved.”

Since 2000, the Victorian Landcare Grants program has invested $77 million into the conservation efforts of local communities, with $3.55 million available this year to be shared across the state’s environmental groups.

Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on April 30.

For more information, or to apply, head to environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-landcare-grants