Macedon Ranges council has adopted its 2023-24 environment group support grant guidelines and terms of reference for the assessment panel at its meeting on July 26.
This policy provides a framework for council to grant public funds, and requires the adoption of a terms of reference for its grants assessment panels.
Council director planning and environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the environment group support grant guidelines have been reviewed by council officers and a number of improvements have been made.
“Significantly we’ve moved the grants process online,” Ms Stockfeld said.
“In addition, the environment group support grants have a new category, a biolink boost grant which aims to support revegetation activities in strategic areas across the Macedon Ranges.
“Officers are pleased to share that the Bendigo Bank through the Macedon Ranges community enterprises has offered matching funding which will enable us to offer $40,000 in total funding for the [grant].”
Deputy Mayor Jennifer Anderson said she is excited about the grants and getting to support the Macedon Ranges environment and landcare groups.
“I think every councillor in the room knows how important all our environment groups and landcare groups [are],” Cr Anderson said.
“[This new policy] is very easy to read [and] transparent… [and] will simplify things for both staff members and our community groups.”
Zoe Moffatt
