Conservation groups, community organisations, not-for-profits and traditional owners can now apply for grants through the Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program to undertake on-ground recovery actions which will benefit their local environment.
The $10 million Australian Government program, offering grants of between $5000 to $150,000, was part of the Government’s $200 million investment to help native wildlife and their habitats recover from the devastating impacts of last summer’s bushfires.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said grants were available to community organisations, conservation groups, Traditional Owners and local governments.
“Our communities were deeply affected by the fires and I know there are many people in the New England who are already rehabilitating bushfire affected environments,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Government recognises that harnessing local knowledge and stewardship, along with financial support, is essential to recovery and building the resilience of native plants and animals.
“These grants mean more organisations can now take part in real on the ground action, building on millions of dollars in direct and immediate assistance already provided to the New England in the aftermath of the fires.”
Eligible project activities include provision of supplementary shelter, nest boxes and artificial hollows, eradicating or reducing the impact of pest animals and weeds, protecting sensitive habitat and waterways, and seed collection, propagation and revegetation of native plants.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said communities had shown tremendous resilience, taking an active role in the recovery of the environment.
“I have visited communities and have seen first-hand the early results of bushfire recovery work on habitats. Recovery is already happening, but it is going to take time and the community has a vital role to play in making it happen,” Minister Ley said.
Applications are now open and will close on 27 November 2020. Grant guidelines, which include information on eligible project locations, are available at business.gov.au/brwhc
(ENDS)