THE Victorian Government has recently announced a major funding boost to volunteers and young people to help them protect and restore the natural environment in our area.

Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford, said the 2022 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2022 Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now available for application and aim to help volunteers and kids across the state protect Victoria’s environment.

As part of the Victorian Landcare Grants, $3.35 million is available for grants of up to $20,000 to fund on-ground projects that protect, enhance, and restore land and environment.

Support 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 in protecting and restoring our land and environment.

In 2021, over 50 project grants and 34 support grants were provided in the Lowan and Ripon Electorates, which helped fund projects including Project Platypus Landcare action 2021; Central Victorian Regenerative Farmers - Extension project; and Rounding up the Rabbit campaign.

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

Grants of up to $5000 will be available for projects that provide youth in western Victoria with an opportunity to participate in hands-on biodiversity projects or educate them in valuing and actively caring for biodiversity in the environment.

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

“This funding will assist our hard-working volunteers, community groups and youth to continue caring for our local natural environment.”

Both grant programs support the implementation of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian 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