The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is encouraging community environmental groups in the region to apply for the 2011-12 Victorian Landcare Grants, which are open until Monday 27 June 2011.  

The North Central CMA will coordinate the distribution of the Victorian Government’s Landcare Grants, formerly known as the Second Generation Landcare Grants.    

Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer said the CMA and Landcare in North Central Victoria appreciate the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting Landcare and community initiatives in the region.   

“The Victorian Government has provided the funding for local groups to finance projects that will benefit the health of the region's land, water and biodiversity.  Through the grants, groups can continue to be active in their community while undertaking local priority projects” said Mr Wells.    T

he 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 Government 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 and start up grants.   

“Project grants up to $20,000 are available for onground and or capacity building and community engagement activities (specifically linked to natural resource management actions) and or integrated with onground works.  Grants of up to $1,000 are available to cover maintenance and start up costs for Landcare groups”, said Ms Odgers.   

Ms Jodie Odgers confirmed the CMA will be holding five community meetings across the region.   “The community meetings will be an opportunity for participants to learn more about the grants together with practical advice and guidance in writing and developing applications.  Grant writing is a valuable skill that enables community groups to obtain funding from a wide variety of sources,” concluded Ms Odgers.   

Community meetings are scheduled for:   
26 May      WEDDERBURN- Wedderburn Community Centre              9am – 12pm 
31 May      KYNETON- Kyneton Bowling Club                                         9.30am – 12.30pm 
31 May      CASTLEMAINE- Ray Bradfield Rooms                                   6pm – 9pm 
1 June      MARYBOROUGH- Highlands Society                                      6pm – 9pm 
2 June      KERANG- Kerang Learning Centre                                          6pm - 9pm   

A light meal will be provided at each meeting.             

For further information on the Victorian Landcare Grants and to RSVP for the community meetings, phone 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 and applications are available via the 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