The ACT Governments Environmental grantsThe program’s first 25-year anniversary in 1997 has seen an increase in applications for grants.
These grants are for community groups and volunteers who will act as stewards of the ACTs parks, reserves, urban green spaces, rural lands, and urban green spaces.
This year, total funding of $480,000 is available in three streams. This is $128,000 more than in the previous years.
$280,000 is available for nature conservation such as managing ecological threats and protecting endangered species, or for Indigenous peoples to care for country (Environment Grants). Each applicant can receive up to $35,000
$150,000 is available to make urban open space more liveable. One applicant may receive up to $15,000
$50,000 is available to groups for new members to recruit, to run workshops on environmental topics, or to plan (Environmental volunteer group assistance grants). Each applicant can apply for up to $5,000
This is how good ideas are made a thousand seeds blossom across our city. Rebecca VassarottiMinister for Environment in the ACT. If local people are able to identify what they can do for the community, this is a way we can partner as government to make that happen.
Bragg Street Park, Hackett has swales, which are small dams that prevent stormwater from blocking stormwater drains and flooding gardens and garages, built by volunteers last year. The swales allow water to flow into the subsoil and help plants grow. Since August’s construction, nearly 560 mL of rainfall has fallen.
Chris Mobs, the convener, said they had worked very well.
The government has also simplified the process, making it easier to apply for grants by volunteers.
Ms Vassarotti explained that volunteers claimed that applying for grants was very difficult, as well as the process of acquiring them. The government simplified the language and reduced the paperwork to make it easier for people to read.
We want volunteers to do the work that they love, not fill out paperwork, said Ms Vassarotti.
Mr Mobs stated that volunteers are often under pressure for time, particularly if they work full-time.
Applications open today and close on Thursday, April 4.