The ACT Greens have made an election commitment to increase and secure funding for environmental volunteers, build biodiversity in suburbs, and launch a sustainability hub.

The Greens say they would increase funding for the ACT’s Environmental Grants program and create a larger, long-term grant stream, enabling more ambitious and long-term conservation projects.

They would open a Sustainability Hub, a purpose-built and affordable home for community organisations, including environmental champions, educators, artists and enterprises; and establish a native plant nursery to supply stock for restoration projects, create jobs, and give free plants to Canberrans.

They would establish programs for Canberrans to create wildlife-friendly gardens; and for neighbourhoods to “spruce up” laneways, verges, or similar public spaces native habitat. 

“Over 100 environmental volunteer groups in the ACT contribute 300,000 hours in conservation work annually, or the equivalent of $22 million,” Rebecca Vassarotti, Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens, said. “That means securing the viability of these groups is one of the best investments we can make.

“Community-led environmental volunteers are the lifeblood of the ACT’s efforts to protect, restore, and bolster our beautiful environment.

“As our native habitats are torn up by climate change and construction on the edges of the city, the precious wildlife that rely on these habitats are being pushed towards extinction. But, as a community, we can turn that around. 

“Now more than ever, we need to give certainty to our environmental volunteers and recognise the crucial rôle they play in battling the environmental impacts of the climate crisis.

“We will stop these groups from having to operate from hand to mouth, year on year, and instead recognise the vital services they provide to the community, the government, and the environment we all share.”

Landcare ACT welcomed the Greens’ announcement to commit to increasing secure funding for the essential work done by environmental volunteers and the groups and organisations that support them.

Maree Wright, communications and project manager, said: “Empowering the community to undertake environmental stewardship benefits both our precious natural environment and our community, with significant mental health and wellbeing benefits as well as critical environmental outcomes.

“A 2020 report by KPMG found the economic value of landscaping in the ACT to be in excess of $20 million a year in on-ground labour, as well as over $13 million per year on avoided health care costs. Environmental volunteers provide a great return on the investment. Improving funding certainty means more of our efforts can be focussed on environmental volunteering, with less time spent on chasing the next grant.

“It is great to see the Greens recognising the increasing value of these contributions. Landcare is a non-political charity, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the next ACT Government.”