13 August 2008
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR MORE THAN $1m IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE NATURAL ASSETS
Local organisations working to improve the health of our natural assets are invited to apply for funds in the 2008/09 round of Melbourne Water and Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority Community Grants.
Grants ranging from $300 to $20,000 are available for community groups, schools, councils and sporting associations.
The grants are intended to contribute to costs associated with improving the health of land, biodiversity and water resources in the Port Phillip and Westernport region.
Past grants have funded a wide variety of environmental projects such as improving rivers and creeks; managing pests, weeds and salinity; protecting and enhancing native vegetation; and enhancing habitats for native animals.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said last year 375 grants totalling more than $1.6 million were allocated to organisations across the region.
“One of the most satisfying aspects of these grants is that they provide much-needed resources to many groups that otherwise may not as readily achieve their goals.”
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority chief executive, David Buntine, said the Authority was thrilled at the benefits the projects had brought to natural assets on public and private land.
“The level of interest in these grants has been extremely pleasing because it confirms that there are many people and groups committed to improving the health of our natural assets.”
There are three types of grants available:
- Group support grants – up to $300 grant for general administrative assistance to community groups involved in natural resource management;
- Group promotion and development grants – up to $500 to increase participation, raise public awareness, undertake training and/or educate the community about local natural resource management programs; and
- Project grants – up to $20,000 for on-the-ground projects that address natural resource management issues.
Applications for the 2008/09 round of grants close 6 October 2008. Application details: Melbourne Water Grants website or 131 722 (Melbourne Water) or (03) 8781 7900 (PPWCMA).
Melbourne Water is now the caretaker for rivers and creeks across most of the Port Phillip and Westernport region, and is delivering services like weed removal, tree planning and floodplain management to improve their health.
Media Contacts: Nicolas McGay (03) 9235 2278 (Melbourne Water) or Anne Gigney (03) 8781 7903 (PPWCMA)