Are you part of a landcare or dunecare project that has plenty of volunteers but is crying out for funding? This could be your lucky day.
The state government has launched a new Environmental Trust program and community groups are invited to apply for funding for large-scale bush regeneration projects.
The $8 million Community Bush Regeneration Large Project Stream is offering grants of between $200,000 and $250,000 for projects which will run for up to six years.
NSW environment minister Robyn Parker said, ‘This new program fulfills our promise to provide additional funding to protect the natural environment and support local bush regeneration initiatives.
‘We understand that successful rehabilitation of degraded bushland requires a long-term approach with ongoing funding security.
‘These new grants will resource local community organisations, like landcare and bushcare groups, to deliver and maintain projects that protect, restore and enhance the natural environment,’ Ms Parker said.
The new funding stream has been established, and will be administered, under the Trust’s existing Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Program.
Applications are invited for projects that:
· regenerate degraded natural areas, including bushland, riverbanks, degraded waterways and rare and endangered ecosystems
· improve the ongoing health and improve resilience of important ecosystems and habitats of rare and endangered flora and fauna
· improve ecological connectivity within and between natural areas
· improve the capacity of, and resource local community groups to protect, restore and enhance the environment by strengthening local community organisations whose primary purpose is to undertake environmental works in their local area.
Applications for projects that include partnerships, collaboration, other funding sources and in-kind contributions are encouraged.
Applications close on 31 January 2012.
Full details at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/envtrust.htm.
