North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has opened its popular 2017-18 Community Grants program.

Maintenance (up to $500/group or network) and start-up grants (up to $500/group or $1,000/network) are available, project grants of up to $10,000 are available for individuals and Landcare or community based NRM groups, and Landcare networks are eligible for grants of up to $15,000.

North Central CMA Regional Landcare Coordinator Tess Grieves said the grants are an example of Landcare’s community focus.

“This year we are looking for applications to clearly demonstrate how proposed projects and activities, including on ground works projects, build community capacity and share knowledge,” she said.

“We will also prioritise projects that improve the natural resource base of agricultural landscapes and encourage projects with a focus on improving soil health, innovative agricultural techniques and practices such as trialling pasture species under variable seasonal conditions, and activities that increase community awareness and engagement such as workshops to up-skilling volunteers and field days.

“To be successful, groups need to know their projects really well. A clarity of purpose is vital, as is a clear direction and focus, of both the project and the community.”

Ms Grieves said the community played an integral role in the health of the catchment.

“Community groups continue to play a vital role in protecting, enhancing and restoring our environment and sustaining our agricultural economy,” she said.

“We value that work and the 2017-18 Community Grants program is one way the North Central CMA can support the region’s community to ensure they have the support they need to empower others to make an ongoing difference.”

A total pool of approximately $340,000 will be available. The grants program is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme (NLP) and the state government’s Victorian Landcare Grants (VLG) and Regional Riparian Action Plan.

Application forms, guidelines and the online survey link are available under the Landcare Grants tab. Online applications are to be submitted before 5pm Friday 23 June 2017 via https://nccma.smartygrants.com.au.