The Victorian Coalition Government has launched a new grants program to enable local communities to conduct work that will safeguard and enhance their local environment.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the ‘Communities for Nature’ program delivers an important commitment by the Coalition government to support local environmental action undertaken by community groups and volunteers by providing funding for specific environmental projects.

The program provides $20 million to support the community over four years, enabling small projects with grants to successful applicants of up to $10,000 and large projects with grants to successful applicants of between $10,000 and $150,000.

“It is important that we recognise and back the efforts of those committed and enthusiastic groups who work together with government agencies to create positive changes by tackling issues that impact our local environment.

“We live in an area with many outstanding natural attractions and their preservation is critical for the region. Our environment is unique and we need to look after it,” said Mr Bull.

Examples of work include:

 Revegetation  Biodiversity and habitat preservation  Cleaning up waterways  Weed control  Threatened species recovery

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester welcomed the State Government’s support for local environmental initiatives through the Communities for Nature program. He said there were a range of projects in East Gippsland that could be funded.

“In addition to the recent announcement of funding for 60 additional Landcare facilitators, this is a positive move from the State Government to help regional communities carry out local environmental projects.”

“Landcare members are most often the ones who are prepared to get their hands dirty and do the work to address environmental issues, Mr Chester said.

Mr Bull said, “I encourage anyone actively involved in habitat preservation, re-vegetation or who assist in cleaning up and protecting our lakes and river systems to apply for this funding.”

“The first round of funding is now open, closing on 19 December 2011.  For further information visit: www.dse.vic.gov.au/communitiesfornature or call 1300 366 356.