The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is encouraging community environmental groups in north central Victoria to apply for the 2013-14 Victorian Landcare Grants, which are open until 5 pm Monday 22 July 2013.

The North Central CMA will coordinate the distribution of the Victorian Government’s Landcare Grants with an emphasis on building community capacity.

Mr Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer said that both the Authority and the Landcare community in north central Victoria appreciate the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting Landcare and community initiatives.

“The Victorian Government provides the funding for local groups to mobilise community volunteers and encourage community action, positively influence the management practices of private landholders and build the skills and capacity of the community to undertake natural resource management activities. This will help to achieve enduring landscape change and a healthier natural environment across our region,” said Mr Wells. 

The grants are available to incorporated community groups to improve the condition of their local environment.   Landcare, Junior Landcare, Community and ‘Friends of’ groups, whose activities may include weed control, erosion mitigation, and the protection and improvement of native vegetation, are encouraged to apply.  Schools and local governments can apply in partnership with a community group.

North Central CMA’s Regional Landcare Coordinator Ms Jodie Odgers said there are two types of grants available; project grants and maintenance/start-up grants.

“Project grants up to $20,000 are available for on-ground and/or capacity building and community engagement activities, provided the engagement activities are linked to natural resource management actions or integrated with on-ground works.  Grants of up to $1,000 are available to cover maintenance and start up costs for Landcare groups or networks,” said Ms Odgers.

For further information on the Victorian Landcare Grants contact the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.  Ms Jodie Odgers will also be available at the North Central CMA’s Huntly office by appointment.

Guidelines together with an application form are available to download via the Landcare page on the North Central CMA's website www.nccma.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au