Victorian Landcare grants now open

LANDCARE grants are now open to groups across West Gippsland with project grants and funds on offer to support Landcare and environmental volunteering groups and networks.

The annual funding is offering grants of up to $20,000 for on-ground works, education or capacity building projects focused on protecting and restoring the region’s land and environment.

Groups who complete the yearly group health survey will receive a $500 support grant to assist with tasks such as insurance and administration.

This funding will be delivered through Victoria’s 10 catchment management authorities (CMAs), proving the important environmental outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration between CMAs, environmental groups, local communities, and the government.

In 2021, the program supported initiatives in West Gippsland as creative and diverse as the groups themselves.

One such example is South Gippsland Landcare Network’s Dung Down Under in Southern Gippsland – a project to monitor dung beetles which play a role in improving waterways and soil fertility.

It is a partnership led by Cassie Wright, Projects and Education Coordinator for South Gippsland Landcare Network and working with Robbie Gray from Bass Coast Landcare Network.

The unique initiative involves over 30 landholders taking part in monitoring dung beetles across Bass Coast and South Gippsland.

Although small, these beetles play a huge role in catchment health by breaking down and reducing high nutrient and sediment loads entering surface waters and polluting dams, waterways and marine environments in turn threatening sensitive marine environments and their outstanding environmental values.

The Victorian Landcare Grants support the implementation of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, which is Victoria’s 20-year plan to stop the decline of native plants and animals and improve natural environment and Victorians Volunteering for Nature – Environmental Volunteering Plan.

Find out more and apply at delwp.smartygrants.com.au/WGCMA2022VLG

Applications close at 5pm Tuesday, July 26.