Phillip Island Landcare, Bass Coast Landcare Network and the Bass Valley Landcare are among eight groups sharing in environmental conservation grants totalling over $145,000 in the Bass electorate.
The grants from the State Government are part of the Victorian Landcare Grants program, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development, and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.
Project grants up to $20,000 have been awarded to Bass conservation groups for their projects including:
* Bass Coast Landcare Network (BCLN) will empower schools and the wider community to learn seed collection, propagation, and planting skills through workshops and education programs at the Bass River Garden, Arboretum, and local farms.
* Bass Valley Landcare Group will work with six landholders, local schools, and volunteers to plant 6550 native plants and restore gullies and waterways, creating habitat for threatened species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
* Phillip Island Landcare Group will collaborate with landholders and the Bunurong Land Council to plant 3000 indigenous plants in endangered Swamp Scrub, install wallaby-proof fencing, and host a community planning session to guide future landscape restoration.
Grants were also awarded to the Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, South Gippsland Conservation Society as well as Anderson Inlet, Three Creeks and Devon Meadows Landcare groups.
Member for Bass Coast Jordan Crugnale said the grants recognised the work of local Landcare groups, "who are restoring habitats and waterways through revegetation, habitat creation, weed control, and fencing".
"They're also engaging and educating the community, building the skills we need to strengthen both our environment and the community connections that care for it."
David Bateman from BCLN said its supported Landcare groups received eight $20,000 grants.
"The impact of these grants will see over 40,000 plants in the ground and 100s of volunteers engage in Landcare. A big thank you to Jordan Crugnale for her support."
Three support grants of $500 have also been awarded to the French Island Landcare Group Inc, Powlett Project Landcare Group and Westernport Swamp Landcare to assist with costs such as insurance, incorporation and operational needs.
For more information visit www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-landcare-grants