Eligible local Landcare groups, environment networks and community groups working on bushfire recovery projects can now access funding of around $50,000 as part of a grants program.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the $14 million Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants program is supporting Landcare bushfire recovery projects in seven regions impacted by the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires.
Landcare ACT CEO Karissa Preuss said local groups in the ACT are invited to apply for funding for bushfire recovery projects, with applications closing on 16 June.
“In the ACT, more than 80% of Namadgi National Park and numerous rural properties were burnt out during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020,” she said.
“This Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants Program gives community and Landcare groups the opportunity to contribute to much needed regeneration and restoration projects, building on the Landcare-led recovery efforts that are already underway in the area.”
Eligible applicants are invited to apply for community grants worth up to $50,000 each. The grants will fund a range of activities including pest management, weed management, erosion control and engagement with local communities and Indigenous land managers.
Funding of up to $300,000 for landscape scale partnership projects is also available for local, regional and national activities supporting bushfire recovery for fire-affected plant and animal species, ecological communities, and natural assets, including Ramsar listed wetlands and World Heritage listed sites.
National Landcare Network CEO Jim Adams said the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery grants program will increase support for and involvement in Landcare groups.
“Farmers and landowners, traditional owners, and other groups involved in community-led environmental activities in the most vulnerable bushfire impacted regions will be given support,” Mr Adams said.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants will benefit landscape restoration, improve biodiversity and support community resilience.
“Commencing along the east coast from South East Queensland and the NSW north and south coasts, to Australia’s alpine areas, East Gippsland and Kangaroo Island, the grants program will be co-delivered by all the Landcare organisations,” Dr Norrish said.
Applications for grants will remain open until 16 June, with successful applicants notified late June.
To apply and for further information, visit www.landcareledbushfiregrants.org.au
For more news:
