2024 Victorian Landcare Grants Now Open
The Victorian Landcare Grants program is now open, and Melbourne Water have been allocated over half a million dollars to help support local environmental programs.
Earlier this month, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos launched the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants program with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity. Melbourne Water, as the local Catchment Management Authority (CMA), was given $514,750 of this budget to support local projects and initiatives in its catchment area.
As a CMA, Melbourne Water is responsible for delivering land, water and biodiversity programs that enhance and protect the environment, and support thriving communities in the Port Phillip and Westernport catchments.
Last year, 245 projects were funded, as well as 269 support grants. This includes 32 project grants and 79 support grants from the Melbourne Water catchment.
Barry Kennedy, Melbourne Water Regional Landcare Coordinator says “Melbourne Water is an enthusiastic supporter of the Victorian Landcare Grants as it delivers long-term legacy projects and improves the condition of entire landscapes through wildlife and nature corridors, and targeted weed eradication.
“They have also been a driver for new groups such as Intrepid Landcare, for conservationists aged 18 to 35, and the reintroduction of cultural practice such as cool burning carried out by our first nation partners and a range of other strong community partnerships.”
Among Melbourne Water’s recipients from 2023 is Bass Coast Landcare Network, which was awarded $17,870 in funding. This saw local students planting indigenous trees and shrubs, monitoring properties and restoring wetlands at the River Garden in Bass, supporting land rehabilitation and educating students.
Further, in 2022 Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation received a $20,000 grant to improve local biodiversity, plant native vegetation and restore habitat for koala population, which are facing tree canopy and habitat reduction. 25,000 trees were planted across 35 hectares of land, with over 8000 indigenous seedlings allocated to residents for local property planting.
Since 2000, the Victorian Landcare Grants have invested $77 million in communities to support conservation efforts and empower Victorians to help protect the state’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife.
Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on 30 April 2024. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants.
The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037; the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect our environment and native species.
Visit Victorian Landcare Grants on the Melbourne Water website for further information, including how to apply for a grant.
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