Shire grants support environmental projects

THE Surf Coast Shire’s Community Vision “to leave the Surf Coast better than we found it” has underpinned the latest round of the council’s Small Grants, with environmental projects aplenty.

To be officially awarded in a ceremony at the council chambers today (Thursday, December 9), supported projects include an electric vehicle charging point in Moriac, a Climate Revolution Summit to be delivered during the World Surf League round at Bells Beach in April, community garden enhancements in Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Torquay, and Surf Coast Energy Group’s web tool to help residents and businesses track and reduce their carbon footprint.

Grants range from $805 to $5,000, and Cr Mike Bodsworth said it was an impressive list of recipients.

This round has seen Small Grants awarded to 17 projects, totalling $37,535.

Cr Bodsworth said he was delighted to see the strong sustainability focus, aligning with council’s Environmental Leadership theme.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from locals that they want to help our community to thrive through environmental leadership.

“That certainly rang true when we looked at the Small Grants recipients, with eight of the recommended projects in the Environment category.”

Other recommended projects were spread across three categories: Culture and Arts, Recreation and Leisure, and Community Initiative.

“It’s great to see the variety of projects and how the grants will empower community groups to support locals – from budding Little Athletics stars taking on the hurdles, to Anglesea Historical Society members who are visually impaired and will soon be able to access audio magazines and newsletters,” Cr Bodsworth said.

He thanked all community groups which applied for the latest round of Small Grants.

“It was an incredibly competitive process. We had a record number of applicants and it’s unfortunate we aren’t able to financially support each one,” he said.

“All groups which apply receive feedback and we hope they can use it to put together an even stronger application for the next round of the program which takes place in March, or to seek funding from other grant givers.”