Mr Redman said local and regional organisations across the State were ideally placed to deliver projects which could make a big impact on the ground.
“At a time when the season is proving particularly tough for many rural and regional West Australians, it is critical that a strong focus remains on protecting and enhancing our unique environment,” he said.
“Fifty-one community projects have been funded from last year’s program, supporting and boosting the important natural resource management work carried out by local groups.
“These range from regeneration and weed eradication at Oyster Harbour to the use of indigenous rangers for feral pig management in the Upper Fitzroy.
“Wheatbelt-based local groups sought funding to help tackle long-standing threats to wildlife and farming like foxes and rabbits across a broad area. Meanwhile, the Narembeen community is focused on controlling pests that threaten the Red Tailed Phascogale in a local sanctuary.”
The Minister encouraged catchment, community and industry groups and local governments to apply for a share of the funding for NRM projects.
“These groups have a strong knowledge of what is happening in their patch, along with a passion for retaining and enhancing the natural assets in their area,” he said.
“The projects funded will need to address land, water or marine issues, biodiversity conservation and biosecurity.”
Proposals for funding of between $10,000 and $50,000 can be submitted until Friday, January 7, 2011.
The community funding is part of the Liberal-National Government’s overall $60million commitment to natural resource management, including $35million over the next four years and $25million last financial year.
Further information about the funding is available from the State NRM Office on 9368 3168. Grant guidelines and applications forms can be downloaded from http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 6700