The Andrews Labor Government is helping volunteers and young people across Victoria protect and restore our natural environment.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the opening of two grant rounds – the 2022 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2022 Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.

Under the 2022 Victorian Landcare Grants, more than $3.3 million is available for grants of up to $20,000 – for projects that protect, enhance, and restore Victoria’s land and environment. Grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group administration and running costs.

The grants are open to environmental volunteering groups, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do for our land and environment.

Last year 206 project grants and 282 support grants were provided, funding a range of projects including the restoration of habitat for the Southern Brown Bandicoot Habitat at Koo Wee Rup North, tree plantings and fencing to protect a wetland near Ararat and weed removal at the Uralla Nature Reserve in Gippsland.

As part of the 2022 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, $450,000 of funding will be provided to environmental projects at Victorian schools, kindergartens, preschools, childcare centres and other youth groups.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be available for projects that provide young Victorians with an opportunity to participate in hands-on biodiversity projects or educate them in valuing and actively caring for biodiversity the environment.

The Labor Government has invested $560 million in protecting biodiversity and the natural environment since 2014. Both grant programs support the implementation of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Government’s 20-year plan to protect Victoria’s environment and native species.

For more information about how to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants.

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

“These grants will help volunteers and youth across Victoria restore and improve habitats for our native plants and animals.”

“These programs encourage young people and volunteers to work together and help protect their local environment.”

“We know Victorians love being out in nature and we are investing to ensure our precious and unique environment can be enjoyed by future generations.”