Government grants for landcare groups

BELLARINE environment strategies and school programs have received a state government funding boost from a new round of landcare grants.

Bellarine Landcare Group had two successful projects under the funding round: Foundations to grow, which is its new strategic plan and website; and Sweeping the Beautiful Bellarine, which is a whole-of-peninsula strategy for rabbit abatement.

Swan Bay Environment Association also got support to rejuvenate a local park with Indigenous plants, while Bellarine Catchment Network will encourage community involvement in local biodiversity outcomes.

St Aloysius Catholic Primary School will run a biodiversity ecosystem project, St Leonards Primary School and Leopold Primary School will partner to create Land and Sea, a Bellarine Student Environmental Program, and Surfside Primary School to create habitat boxes for Biodiversity and Native Wildlife Protection.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the funding would help volunteers protect and restore landscapes.

“This funding is an important way that we’re supporting volunteers and their communities to secure our environment for future generations.”

“Our volunteers are invaluable, and these grants will allow them to continue to make a significant difference at a grassroots level.”

“Encouraging children to get involved in projects like these can lead to a lifelong appreciation of nature and community.”

The state government will provide $3.98 million to more than 500 projects across the state under its 2023 Victorian Landcare grants.

Its youth and school program is worth an additional $470,000.