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$20 Million For ‘Communities For Nature’ The Victorian Coalition Government has launched a new grants program to enable local communities to conduct work that will safeguard and enhance their local environment. By Russell Northe - 21st October 2011 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the „Communities for Nature‟ program delivers an important commitment by the Coalition government to support work undertaken by community groups and volunteers by providing funding for specific environmental projects.
The program provides $20 million to support the community over four years, enabling small projects with grants to successful applicants of up to $10,000 and large projects with grants to successful applicants of between $10,000 and $150,000.
"It is important that we recognise and back the efforts of those committed and enthusiastic groups who work together with government agencies to create positive changes by tackling issues that impact our local environment," said Mr Northe.
"We live in an area with many outstanding natural attractions and their preservation is critical for the region. Our environment is unique and we need to look after it."
Examples of work include:
§ Revegetation
§ Biodiversity and habitat preservation
§ Cleaning up waterways
§ Weed control
§ Threatened species recovery
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the State Government‟s support for local environmental initiatives through the Communities for Nature program. Mr Chester, a keen supporter of environmental volunteer group Landcare and an advocate for the Gippsland Lakes, said there were a range of projects in the Latrobe Valley that could be funded. "In addition to the recent announcement of funding for 60 additional Landcare facilitators, this is a positive move from the State Government to help regional communities carry out local environmental projects," said Mr Chester. "Landcare members are most often the ones who are prepared to get their hands dirty and do the work to address environmental issues. "This program will support revegetation, weed control and waterways projects throughout the Latrobe Valley and I‟d encourage any interested groups to apply."
Mr Northe said, "I encourage anyone actively involved in habitat preservation, re-vegetation or who assist in cleaning up and protecting our lakes and river systems to apply for this funding."
"The first round of funding is now open, closing on 19 December 2011. For further information visit: www.dse.vuc.gov.au/communitiesfornature, or call 1300 366 356.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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