The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the volunteers who restore and protect our environment with $2.8 million in funding through the Victorian Landcare Grants program.

The annual program delivers critical funding to those who make significant contributions caring for the environment through on-ground works, education and community projects.

The grants will deliver 208 Landcare and environmental projects across Victoria’s 10 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), supporting more than 500 groups.

Due to the exceptionally high number of quality applications received across the volunteering sector this year, an extra $1 million in funding has been allocated.

The projects include:

• A nest box program to increase habitat for hollow-dependent species in revegetation sites in Nhill.
• Converting a former pine plantation into habitat for native animals including the Strzelecki Koala, Greater Glider and Lyrebird in Yarram.
• Improving the health of the Bambra Bushland by eradicating weeds and laying weed mat to begin the regeneration process.

Over the past four years, the Labor Government has provided more than $149 million to protect Victoria’s biodiversity, supporting native and threatened species through a range of on-ground initiatives and funding.

The Victorian Landcare Grants are helping to implement the Government’s long-term biodiversity plan, Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037.

Landcare grants are delivered in partnership with CMAs, demonstrating the positive environmental outcomes that can be achieved when environment groups, local communities and the government work together.

For the full list of successful Landcare grant recipients visit environment.vic.gov.au/landcare.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our volunteers are invaluable and these grants will allow them to continue to make a significant difference at a grassroots level.”

“Landcare has been an institution in Victoria for the past 30 years and this funding boost will ensure it continues to make a significant contribution to both the environment and the economy.”

“We’ve invested more than $9 million each year of the program so communities can enjoy our precious natural environment for years to come.”