Wind farm grants open

Applications for the second round of a Wimmera and southern Mallee community Murra Warra grants fund are open.

The Murra Warra Wind Farm 1 Sustainable Community Grants Fund provides financial support to promote social and environmental sustainability projects for the benefit of communities in Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack municipalities.

Not-for-profit groups or organisations can apply for ‘small’ grants of up to $5000 or ‘large’ grants of up to $20,000 – with a total funding pool of $55,000 available.

Wimmera Development Association manages the grants program, which is part of the wind farm’s community investment program.

Association project manager Vernetta Taylor said the fund received an overwhelming response in its inaugural year in 2021.

She said seven environmental, sustainability and improvement projects for non-profit organisations were successful.

“The fund provides community groups and organisations with an opportunity to develop innovative and sustainable environmental projects that will have immediate and lasting benefits for communities and the wider region,” she said.

“It also aims to strengthen community connections and social wellbeing in developing projects focusing on long-term sustainability; to develop projects that enhance and encourage healthy and active communities; and to develop projects which enhance cultural diversity, creative community activities and projects.”

Applications opened yesterday and close at 5pm on April 12.

Groups must be able to complete all projects by June 30, 2023.

Mrs Taylor said people could apply via website www.wda.org. au and hard copy forms were available on request.

She said people seeking more information could call her on 0419 114 274.