The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) today announced that funding is available for community and industry-based groups to undertake projects that have the potential to increase the sustainability, productivity and profitability of primary industries within the North Central region.

The North Central CMA is encouraging industry and community groups to apply for the latest round of Sustainable Practices (formerly Community Support) funding. This funding is supported by the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries National Landcare Programme (NLP).

North Central CMA's Regional NLP Coordinator, Ms Amanda McClaren said "the NLP Sustainable Practices will fund activities that significantly increase the uptake of sustainable production and other natural resource management practices.

The focus of the programme is to enhance the knowledge and skills of natural resource managers and improve integration of natural resource management into management practices at the enterprise level, as well as promote implementation of best management practices".

"In funding these types of projects, the programme aims to encourage greater involvement in Landcare by community and industry groups, which is a crucial step towards improving natural resource management in Australia."

Ms McClaren added that groups interested in applying for Sustainable Practice funding should discuss their applications with the North Central CMA beforehand.

"One of the criteria is that all projects will be assessed against, and consistent with regional natural resource management priorities.
Applicants should also keep in mind that projects funded under the NLP Sustainable Practices component require matching cash or in kind support from the proponent," said Ms McClaren.

Over the past three years the North Central region has been successful in attracting over $530,000 in NLP Community Support component funding.

Past projects to receive funding have included the Northern United Forestry Group project; 'Productive management of saline land at Kamarooka' and the Mid-Loddon Sub-catchment group's 'Establishing sustainable farming practices in the mid-Loddon sub-catchment'.

The 2008-09 National Landcare Programme Community Sustainable Practices guidelines are available at: www.daffa.gov.au/natural-resources/landcare/national-landcare-programme/sustpracs

For more information or to discuss potential project ideas, please contact Amanda McClaren, Regional NLP Coordinator at the North Central CMA on (03) 5440 1852 or mobile 0419 560 348.

Applications close 5:00pm 25 February 2008.

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