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Local Group Picks Up Healthy Parks Healthy People Grant Member for Morwell Russell Northe today congratulated Friends of Morwell National Park on receiving a 2013 Healthy Parks Healthy People community grant from the Victorian Coalition Government. By Russell Northe - 8th May 2013 - Back to News The Friends of Morwell National Park will receive $2,100 to purchase a chainsaw to maintain walking tracks in the Morwell National Park.
The project is one of 120 across the state that will share in $381,000 of Coalition Government funding aimed at supporting the work of volunteers in parks and reserves across the state.
Mr Northe said the grants program primarily focused on areas of park management including environmental protection, developing recreation facilities, heritage, community awareness and disability and multicultural access.
"Under previous rounds of funding the Friends of Morwell National Park has been successful in receiving $6,500 for additional training and parks maintenance, the Friends of Tarra Bulga National Park received $2,652 funding to replace faded and damaged interpretation panels in the rainforests information centre and the Baw Baw National Park Ski Patrol Friends group received $1,800 funding to construct a small four post shelter over the existing information board," Mr Northe said.
"Morwell National Park is a wonderful local attraction and I encourage community members to take the time to visit and take in the beautiful scenery and walks that form part of the Park".
Mr Northe said the impacts this grant will have on the operations of the park will be significant and assist those who maintain the parks.
"This funding is well deserved and I commend the group for applying for this grant for the benefit of our beautiful national park," Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said the Healthy Parks Healthy People community grants program was an example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to fostering environmental partnerships and supporting practical on-the-ground activities.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Coalition Government’s environmental action plan, known as Environmental Partnerships was based on the fundamental principle of building strong partnerships between government, communities and business to maintain a healthy environment.
"It is inspiring to see the huge range of ways in which the community is getting involved to help care for our urban and regional parks and make them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone," Mr Smith said.
"This year’s successful projects include revegetation works, organising festivals that celebrate Aboriginal culture and the environment, weed and pest control, and upgrading visitor facilities.
"Congratulations to all the grant recipients and thank you for your continued support and work in our parks," Mr Smith said.
The Healthy Parks Healthy People Community Grants Program aims to improve the health of Victoria’s parks and the health of volunteers and visitors that contribute to and visit them.
"There is a strong body of evidence that shows being in a natural space like a park has significant benefits for mental health and wellbeing. I encourage people to get out and get involved in their local parks," Mr Smith said.
For further information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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