Bellarine youth and environmental volunteer groups can continue protecting and restoring the region’s landscapes thanks to state government funding.
The $3.98 million 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants awarded grants of close to $20,000 to safeguard the state’s biodiversity or $500 for administration and running costs.
Local volunteer groups that received funding included the Swan Bay Environment Association to revegetate a park with indigenous plants and the Bellarine Catchment Network’s Biodiversity Care project to engage the community in biodiversity care.
The Bellarine Landcare Group also received grants for its Foundation to Grow strategic plan and website and Sweeping the Beautiful Bellarine’s whole-of-peninsula strategy for rabbit removal.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the funding would help volunteers deliver hands-on projects and outdoor educational activities.
“Encouraging children to get involved in projects like these can lead to a lifelong appreciation of nature and community,” she said.
“Our volunteers are invaluable, and these grants will allow them to continue to make a significant difference at a grassroots level.
“This funding is an important way that we’re supporting volunteers and their communities to secure our environment for future generations.”
The state government also distributes more than $470,000 to kindergartens, schools and other youth groups through the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.
St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, St Leonards Primary School, Leopold Primary School, and Surfside Primary School have received funding from the program for students to learn more about the environment and biodiversity.
For more information and a list of this year’s Landcare and Biodiversity Grant recipients, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants
