[Portland Observer, Monday, 25 October 2010, p.7] -- COMMUNITY groups who manage important biodiversity on public land can now apply for weed and pest control funding through the Bush Guardians Program. Bush Guardian Program project coordinator Emily Lee said one of the big challenges faced by groups when managing biodiversity was reducing the impact of weeds and pests that threatened key native plants and animals. A Department of Sustainability and Environment initiative, the Bush Guardians Program is a four-year small-grants program now in its fourth and final year. It is part of the Victorian Government’s $30 million Weeds and Pests Initiative 2007-2011.
The program is implemented through a variety of projects managed by DSE, Parks Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries. This year a total of $260,000 is available for distribution as grants to community groups. "Over the past three years of Bush Guardian grants, 145 community groups have undertaken works on 172 sites," Ms Lee said. "In doing this work, the groups helped protect more than more than 34,700 hectares of grasslands, wildlife habitat and endangered plants and animals from weeds or pest animals." Ms Lee said the Bush Guardians Program aimed for long term biodiversity gains and provided a significant opportunity for volunteer communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of our precious and sometimes fragile ecosystems.
To apply or to find out more about the program, groups can talk to Public Land Services, Land and Fire or Biodiversity Officers in their nearest DSE office.
DSE encourages groups to apply for funding. The deadline for Bush Guardians applications is Tuesday November 30.
The Bush Guardians application form and other information are available from www.dse.vic.gov.au/ bushguardians