The 2020 Community Stewardship Grants are now open for community-based projects that help conserve, restore, rehabilitate or enhance a local natural area, conserve WA’s biodiversity and maintain or build the capability of NRM community groups across the State.
Local Member Mia Davies MLA has encouraged local groups to get their applications ready, and invited them to contact her office for support or assistance as they prepare their submissions.
“There are two categories available, small grants valued between $1,000 to $35,000, and large grants intended for more strategic, complex projects between the value of $35,000 and $450,000,” Ms Davies said.
“Applicants being encouraged to apply include Landcare groups, Land Conservation District Committees, production groups, and ‘friends of’ groups.
“Aboriginal community organisations, Community Resource Centres, local governments, regional NRM bodies, primary and secondary schools and recognised biosecurity groups are also eligible.”
Ms Davies said the funding allowed local groups to focus on key areas in their own backyards.
“This funding can help underwrite projects to tackle salinity, combat erosion, protect threatened species and eradicate pests and weeds,” she said.
“It allows projects to be driven by local people who intimately understand the environment and natural resources of our region,” Ms Davies said.
Ms Davies said groups interested in securing a grant should apply through the Natural Resource Management website – www.nrm.wa.gov.au. Applications close on 15 June 2020.
Member for the Agricultural Region Martin Aldridge MLC said it was important that grassroots funding programs like the Community Stewardship Grants continued to operate during the COVID-19 emergency.
“Groups can be planning and securing funds for projects for when the restrictions related to COVID-19 are eased,” Mr Aldridge said.
“Staying connected during these difficult times through shared interests and community groups is a good way to beat the isolation we’re all experiencing at the moment.”
