Melbourne Water funds over half a million in Landcare Grants to help communities protect what matters
Melbourne Water is proud to deliver over half a million dollars to support Landcare groups and networks restoring, enhancing and protecting our local environment.
In the 2025 funding round, 32 organisations will receive Landcare Grants of up to $20,000 to improve biodiversity, restore habitats and promote community development, partnership and educational opportunities. A further 83 groups will each receive a $500 support grant to cover administration and running costs.
“At Melbourne Water safeguarding our water, land and biodiversity is at the heart of who we are,” said Melbourne Water Regional Landcare Coordinator, Barry Kennedy. “Protecting and revitalising our waterways, wetlands, parks and ranges is critical as they face increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.
“That’s why we’re proud to administer these grants on behalf of the Victorian Government to Landcare groups doing such vital work on the ground. From partnering on projects, to providing support via grants and training, together we’re ensuring the health of the environment now and for generations to come.”
Landcare is a movement of people and organisations restoring, enhancing and protecting our natural environment in their community. From indigenous planting and weed control to conservation education and community workshops, Landcare connects thousands of Australians through a shared commitment to care for our land and waterways.
In 2025, $514,750 has been allocated to groups across the Melbourne Water region to empower grassroots action and sustain vital environmental projects. Some of the successful organisations picking up the grants include Landcare groups, Landcare networks, registered aboriginal parties, Friends of groups and committees of management.
This includes the Bass Valley Landcare Group, awarded $20,000 to partner with landholders to fence and revegetate gullies and waterways with indigenous plants. Working with the Bass Valley Primary School and local volunteers, they will host planting days to create habitat for threatened species including the swamp antechinus, southern toadlet and southern brown bandicoot.
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation received $19,840 to restore endangered southern brown bandicoot habitat at Bandicoot Corner in Bayles. Through weed control and indigenous replanting informed by traditional ecological knowledge, they aim to support long-term species recovery.
Friends of the Platypus Incorporated secured $10,007 for their Love Your River campaign, reconnecting communities with waterways through hands-on workshops and community planting events.
Melbourne Water administers the Port Phillip and Westernport region program of Landcare Grants, funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and delivered through Victoria’s ten catchment management authorities. Since 2000, more than $80 million has been invested into communities through the Victorian Landcare Grants.
See the full list of this year’s Victorian Landcare Grant recipients here.
To get involved and help care for our environment find your local group here. environment.vic.gov.au/volunteering/getting-involved-and-grants-available
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