Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has encouraged locals to apply for state government grants to protect and restore the area’s natural environment.
The 2022 Victorian Landcare grants and the 2022 Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grants are now open to get volunteers and kids on board.
“These grants will help volunteers and youth across Victoria restore and improve habitats for our native plants and animals,” Ms Thomas said.
“We know Victorians love being out in nature – and we are investing to ensure our precious and unique environment can be enjoyed by future generations.”
As part of the Landcare grants, $3.5 million is available in grants of up to $20,000 to fund on-ground projects to look after the region’s land and environment. Grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group administration and running costs.
A government statement said the grants are open to environmental volunteering groups, including “Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do”.
“As part of the 2022 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grants, $450,000 of funding will be provided to environmental projects at local schools, kindergartens, preschools, childcare centres and other youth groups,” the statement said.
“Grants of up to $5000 will be available for projects that provide youth in Macedon with an opportunity to participate in hands-on biodiversity projects or educate them in valuing and actively caring for biodiversity the environment.”
Both programs are a part of the government’s 20-year plan to protect Victoria’s environment and native species, titled Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037.
“This funding will assist our hard-working volunteers, community groups and youth to continue caring for our local natural environment,” Ms Thomas said.
For more information, head to environment.vic.gov.au/grants.
