Second round of Green Links Grant Program opens

THE second round of the Green Links Grant Program has officially opened with $2 million to be invested in projects helping to restore and improve local waterways across Victoria.

Green Links aims to improve habitat, water quality and provide more green open spaces for communities to get outdoors.

Opened by Minister for Water Harriet Shing, the eligibility for the second round of grants has been extended to include projects delivered by schools, encouraging young people to get involved.

Community groups, water and land managers, Traditional Owners and local councils are also able to apply for funding between $20,000 and $350,000.

“As our communities grow, it’s so important to respect and protect our precious waterways and the environments that we know and love – the Green Links Grants are helping more people to get involved, and to make a positive and lasting difference,” Minister for Water Harriet Shing said.

The funding is available for projects targeting ground works for revegetation and associated activities and must start no later than June 2025.

23 projects shared in more than $6 million in the first round of the funding, revegetating almost 200 hectares of land, including across the Barwon Rivers.

“Projects funded through the Green Links Grants are creating more environmental corridors and helping native plants flourish – supporting the long-term health of our creeks and rivers now and into the future,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

The $10 million program builds on the Victorian government’s $262 million spending on maintaining the health and resilience of waterways and catchments.

Applications for round two will close at 5pm on December 5.

For more information and the full list of criteria, head to water.vic.gov.au/grants/green-links-grants