$7 Million investment in community groups who are caring for our country
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Mike Kelly, announced $7 million in Community Action Grants as part of the Caring for our Country initiative.
“Now in its third year, this program has enabled local community groups to take action and make a difference through the conservation and protection of their local environment,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The Australian Government recognises the important contribution that community groups such as Landcare, Coastcare and Indigenous organisations make in protecting our environment right across the country.”
Dr Kelly said that more than half of the funds will be invested in 222 Landcare projects across Australia in 2011-12.
“Community Landcare groups volunteer their time to participate in essential conservation activities including tree planting, weed and pest control, revegetation and educating the community on sustainable land management practices,” Dr Kelly said.
The 2011-12 Community Action Grants funding includes:
- 109 projects in New South Wales
- 85 projects in Queensland
- 90 projects in Victoria
- 41 projects in Western Australia
- 16 projects in South Australia
- 7 projects in Northern Territory
- 17 projects in Tasmania
To date, Community Action Grants have funded more than 1,250 projects to a value of $23.5 million and are delivered by 927 community groups across Australia. Under Caring for our Country, the Australian Government is investing $2 billion over five years (2008–13) to achieve a real and measurable difference to Australia’s environment, through projects that improve biodiversity and sustainable farm practices.
More information about Caring for our Country, including a complete list of successful Community Action Grant projects is available at www.nrm.gov.au. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in writing in the next few days.
