Grants to help protect biodiversity

THE state government is supporting several regional projects that will help protect Victoria’s rich biodiversity, including three in the state’s south-west.

Last week, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced $4.7 million for 67 new targeted, projects that will help regional agencies and government partners work together to improve biodiversity.

The projects are funded through the state government’s Regional Landscapes and Targeted Action initiative – part of the larger Biodiversity On-ground Action program – and include restoration works, environmental ecological burning by Traditional Owners, targeted threatened species recovery, and coordinated pest, animal and weed control.

Local projects include $160,000 to secure the permanent restoration of Green Swamp across public and private land, $100,000 for wilkin pine wildling control, and $30,000 for a survival assessment of southern right whale calves.

These grants are part of the $86.3 million investment to implement Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 over four years.

“These grants go a long way to improving biodiversity and helping us deliver our ambitious environmental agenda – to ensure Victoria’s environment is healthy, valued and protected for years to come,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Without a collaborative approach to biodiversity management, we wouldn’t have the skills and knowledge needed to undertake this important work.” There is also $2 million available through the 2018 Community and Volunteer Action Grants.

Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available for single and multi-year projects.

The grants support a wide range of on-ground activities to help protect, improve and expand habitats for our native plants and animals. Funding also supports activities that help communities better understand and manage local native species and natural environments.

Projects include monitoring of wildlife and native plants, enhancing and protecting habitats for a range of threatened species, planting of indigenous vegetation, reducing weeds, making and installing nest boxes and engaging and educating local communities about improving biodiversity.

Applications close on April 3. Head to environment. vic.gov.au/grants/community-action.