LOCAL GROUPS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR ENVIRO GRANTS
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the Rudd Labor Government has put $25 million on the table for environmental works with the applications closing on the 1st August 2008 and I encourage local groups to apply quickly for funding.
“These funds are part compensation for taking 40% of the funding off the catchment management bodies and 20% off Landcare groups across Australia. The Coalition’s EnviroGrants, Environmental Stewardship Programme, natural resource management officers and Coastal Network grants have also been abolished,” Mr Ruddock said.
“There is very little support left from federal or state Labor governments for environmental support work in regional communities to battle weeds, feral animals, drought and the aftermath of floods.
“The grants are to range in value from $80,000 to $400,000.
“The Rudd Labor Government has decided that small volunteer groups like Landcare will need to compete against universities, local, state and federal government agencies, like the CSIRO and the CRCs, for funding.
“This will be a highly competitive process with a crowded field of applicants, however as the saying goes, you have to be in it to win it,” Philip Ruddock said.