CMA Improving Mallee Region with Community Grants

The Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is encouraging Mallee residents to apply for a share in their $130,000 Biodiversity Grants Programme, made available by the Australian Government.

Grants are available to support community groups within the Mallee to undertake on-ground environmental projects, with up to $10,000 available per application.

Mallee CMA Chair, Ms. Sharyon Peart, says eligible projects can address a number of issues that impact the Mallee region.

“Community groups can apply for the funding to assist with a number of on-ground works such as rabbit and weed control, revegetation and stock and exclusion fencing.

“This grant programme is important as it reflects the understanding that local people are best placed to know what and where the needs are, within their own communities.

"Supported by funding, they can undertake targeted projects that deliver direct, tangible improvements to their local environment,” she said.

All applications for the grant will be assessed on their capacity to deliver protection and restoration projects, by April 18, 2018, with applications closing September 1 this year.

Ms. Peart said grant funding of $70,000 has been made available to groups within the Mallee region, with a further $60,000 allocated to projects in the Wathe and Avoca target areas in the southern Mallee.

“Communities want to be empowered and they want to see that their activities are making a difference to the landscape around them.

"This grant allows for groups to protect and enhance their local Mallee at a grassroots level.”

The Biodiversity Grants Programme is supported by the Mallee CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Further information about the grants is available online.