7 July 2016

Applications are now open to fund projects proposed by local Landcare networks and community-based natural resource management groups.

Grants of up to $30,000 per project are available for Landcare and community-based natural resource organisations, with $250,000 funding from the regional delivery stream of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and $184,000 from the State Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants.

In 2015/16, $452,000 was delivered to 77 local groups for a variety of projects over the Port Phillip and Western Port region, including Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula, south-eastern Melbourne suburbs, the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges, north and west of Melbourne, including Ballan, Romsey, Melton, and Bacchus Marsh.  A similar pool of funding is available in 2016/17.

Each year the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority coordinates the grants for community groups and volunteer-based organisations to support the important work they undertake in the region. These grants deliver a variety of projects and activities that improve the health of the environment throughout the region’s catchments.

Those interested in applying can view the guidelines and application forms here. Applications close 5pm on Monday 12th September 2016.

Some of the projects funded in the past year have included:

• Ecological improvements in three urban grasslands in Cairnlea Conservation Reserves;
• Food, fibre and medicine – Restoring cultural practices in Bunjil Reserve in Panton Hill;
• Community Participation and Mangrove Planting in Grantville; and
• Keeping Mornington Peninsula National Park Woody Weed Free.

For more information, contact the Port Phillip & Westernport CMA on (03) 8781 7900 or community.grants@ppwcma.vic.gov.au.