Victorian Landcare Grants now open

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups and networks, including Landcare groups and networks, friends groups, conservation management networks, committees of management and Aboriginal groups.

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Support grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.

Goulburn Broken CMA regional Landcare co-ordinator Kerstie Lee said last year the Victorian Landcare Grants funded 19 projects in the Goulburn Broken Catchment.

“This included a project in Merton, where the Victorian Landcare Grants supported raising awareness about koalas and restoring their habitat to help create connectivity through the landscape for koalas to move safely,” Ms Lee said.

“A project designed to re-activate the grey-crowned babbler conservation project, aiming to increase habitat, monitoring and community education about this threatened species of bird in Sheep Pen Creek land management district, was also funded through the grants.

“I encourage our local environmental volunteer groups and networks to put in an application for this year’s funding and look forward to a wide range of projects being considered.”

Since 2000, the Victorian Government has invested $80.7 million through the Victorian Landcare Grants program to support conservation efforts and empower Victorians to help protect the state’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife.

The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect the environment and native species.

Grants close on Wednesday, April 16.

Visit gbcma.vic.gov.au/projects/funding-opportunities/funding_landholder-grants for more information and application links.