CMA opens grants

NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority has opened its 2016/17 community grants program.

Maintenance (up to $500 per group or network) and start-up grants (up to $500 per group or $1000 per network) are available with project grants of up to $10,000 available for individuals and Landcare or community based NRM groups and Landcare networks are eligible for grants of up to $15,000.

Landcare celebrates its 30th birthday this year and North Central CMA regional Landcare co-ordinator Tess Grieves said the grants were an example of the program’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.

“Riparian, or river-side, projects will also be a priority this year, with extra funding made available from the Victorian Government’s regional riparian action plan program

“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 upskilling volunteers and field days.”

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

A total pool of between $340,000-$390,000 will be available.

The grants program is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s national Landcare program and the state government’s Victorian Landcare grants and regional riparian action plan.

Application forms and details are under the community grants tab at nccma.vic.gov.au .

Applications close August 26.