Eight groups to share in latest environmental grants

A RESTORATION of Moorabool River Reserve is among eight different projects that will be funded as part of council’s latest round of environmental grants.

The City of Greater Geelong released the second round of funding allocations, amounting to $43,530, from its 2021-22 Environmental Sustainability Grants allowing various environmental sustainability groups to get community projects of the ground.

“I commend the community groups for their passion to enhance our natural environment and drive the environmental sustainability goals of both council and the community, chair of the environment portfolio at the City of Greater Geelong, councillor Jim Mason, said.

“The initiatives council is funding will make a tangible difference to our region and I thank the groups for their contributions to Greater Geelong.”

The latest round of funding involves cash injections ranging from $850 to $10,000 earmarked for projects such as the Ramblers Road Foreshore restoration near Portarlington and equipment requests for the Springdale Community Garden in Drysdale.

A solar project being conducted by Geelong Ballroom Dance Club is the largest grant allocation among the round at $10,000, which will allow the organisation to power the Hamlyn Heights hall with a 22kW solar system.

Moorabool River Reserve’s $8,580 grant will allow the Batesford, Stonehaven, Fyansford Landcare Group to conduct weed control works, revegetate indigenous plants and host community activities.

Chair of the city’s finance portfolio Cr Anthony Aitken said council is proud to support grassroots groups through the Community Grants program.

“Community groups are volunteer-run on a shoestring budget, which is why we hope these grants will relieve some financial pressure to deliver some very important projects.

“There is more than $9 million in community grants and partnerships allocated in the Proposed 2022-23 Budget, as council sees immense value in investing in our community and supporting community-led projects.”

Friends of Ramblers Road, Geelong West Community Garden Group, Mark Jukic Ceres Community Association, Springdale Neighbourhood Centre and the Koala Clancy Foundation are other community groups to receive funding from the latest round.