Monday 16^th September 2019

The Victorian Government is investing $20,000 into restoring and protecting West Gippsland’s natural environment.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing congratulated the successful recipient of the 2019-20 Victorian Landcare Grant.

The annual grants program delivers critical funding to Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups who make significant contributions to caring for the environment through on-ground works, education and capacity building projects.

This year’s grants program is supporting Landcare and environmental projects throughout Victoria, with an additional $1 million provided due to the exceptionally high number of quality applications received across the environmental volunteering sector.

The Western Port Catchment Landcare Network has been awarded a grant of $20,000 to provide resources to re-establish biodiversity in areas affected by the March 2019 Bunyip State Park Fires through revegetation works.

Over the past four years, the Victorian 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 funding focuses on protecting and managing a range of native plants and animals, threatened species and habitats through collaborative planning, increased engagement and alignment of natural resources, scientific, educational and community sectors.

Landcare is a key component of the Victorian Government’s plan Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, which sets out the strategy to stop the decline of native plants and animals and ensure the environment is healthy, valued and cared for.

This year’s grants program is supporting 208 Landcare and environmental projects across Victoria’s 10 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs).

Landcare grants are delivered in partnership the 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 grant recipients visit: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/landcare

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

 “I would like to congratulate the grant recipients, because it is projects like these that make a significant contribution to both the environment and the economy.”

 “It’s great to see the Victorian Government invest in Landcare in West Gippsland so that local communities can enjoy our precious natural environment for years to come.”