[PPWCMA 03 Aug 2011] -- Landcare and community groups can apply for Victorian Government funding to improve and protect the natural environment via the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) Community Grants. The grants must benefit the health of the region's land, water and biodiversity. Activities might include weed removal, the planting of indigenous species and the fencing of native vegetation to protect it from stock.
This year, there are three types of grants. They are: • Project Grants (up to $20,000); • Group Support / Start-up Grants ($500 - $1,000); and • 25th Anniversary of Landcare Grants ($1,000 to $5,000).
The 25th Anniversary of Landcare Grants are a special category that are available for this year only. Victorian Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, recently announced a special allocation of $60,000 to the PPWCMA to enable on-ground actions that commemorate this significant anniversary.
The PPWCMA’s Strategy & Investment Leader, Stephen Thuan says “funds like this enable Landcare and Community groups to improve their local environment.”
“Hundreds of projects are underway by these volunteer groups and they add up to be a substantial benefit to our overall environment. The groups know where the problems are, they are willing to get stuck into the job, and funding from the Victorian Government helps put the tools and supplies in their hands,” said Mr Thuan.
“For example, in 2010/11 the Toomuc Landcare group received $13,300 to remove Sweet Pittosporum that is impacting on native vegetation on the Cardinia Aqueduct Trail and educate local property owners of effective weed control options. These works, combined with that of other groups and agencies, has helped improve the environmental health of the region’” he said.
Guidelines and application forms for the PPWCMA Community Grants are available here. Applications are due by Friday 23 September 2011.
For further information about the PPWCMA Community Grants, contact Stephen Thuan on 03 8781 7921.
For media enquiries, contact Sarah Darvall, PPWCMA Communications Leader, on 03 8781 7903.