Cash on offer for community initiatives

SURF COAST locals and community groups are being encouraged to turn their ideas for environmental projects and community initiatives into action, with the next round of quick response grants opening on 1 March.

Funding is available for projects and equipment purchases that need a financial boost to get off the ground.

Grants of up to $8,000 are available in the natural environment category, which supports projects that protect biodiversity, strengthen pest control efforts and build local knowledge around environmental stewardship.

Up to $5,000 is also available under the community initiative category for grassroots projects that bring people together, encourage collaboration and help realise shared ideas.

Both streams prioritise projects that increase social connection and inclusion, while improving health, wellbeing, safety and skills across the community.

The grant program has supported a range of local groups in recent years.

Moriac Community Network used a $3,000 grant from the shire last year to build three raised self-watering garden beds, creating a shared growing space for locals.

The beds are now producing strawberries, snow peas, lettuces, tomatoes, silver beet, broccoli, cabbages and herbs.

Project spokesperson Garvern Carnes said it had been a “great little project” for the community.

“It has really helped to bring people together,” he said.

“I’ve heard some really positive feedback from some of the locals and I believe it has definitely helped encourage people to get out and about.

“We’ve grown strawberries, snow peas, we did lettuces, we planted some marigolds, we’ve got lots of tomatoes coming on at the moment… silver beet, broccoli, cabbages, basil and some sage I think.”

Applications must align with the shire’s Health and Wellbeing Plan and include at least a 30 per cent cash or in-kind contribution from applicants.

For more information on the grant, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/grants