Thursday, 7th  April 2017

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region has today welcomed the release of the Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, a new long-term plan to protect our environment.

Using the latest scientific modelling, the new plan enables Victoria to adapt to the challenges faced by all aspects of our natural environment.

The plan includes $4.85 million of funding for community grants available over four years that can support our many dedicated environment groups here in Gippsland and across Victoria to take important action to address threats and safeguard biodiversity from the ground up.

Applications are now open for the 2017 round of $1 million in Community & Volunteer Action Grants for community volunteer groups and environmental organisations under the Andrews Labor Government’s Biodiversity On-ground Action initiative.

Ms Shing said Gippsland’s Environment Groups can apply for a share in the $1 million statewide funding for activities to protect and conserve Victoria’s native plants and animals, habitats and threatened species.

Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available.

Applications for the 2017 grant program close midnight on Wednesday 10 May 2017.

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/biodiversity-on-ground-action-community-and-volunteer-action-grants

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Working together we can take action to reduce the threats to Victoria’s biodiversity and strengthen community connections to the environment.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a broad range of rehabilitation efforts by Environmental groups that will improve the resilience of our native plants and wildlife to major threats, including climate change.”

“Biodiversity 2037 is about setting long term goals and priorities for biodiversity in Victoria. It not just a plan for action, but a blueprint for how we can work together to stop the decline of Victoria’s unique biodiversity”