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Landcare - NEW start up grants
Landcare is a popular and well-supported partnership project that links governments with communities to protect and rebuild our environment.
Glenelg Hopkins CMA works with more than 100 Landcare groups and community-based natural resource management groups.
The CMA links communities who want to make a difference to their environment with government agencies to assist residents with funding and providing resources for projects.
Australia-wide there are more than 4000 volunteer Landcare groups who work to protect and repair bushland, urban areas, rivers, coastlines and assist sustainable agriculture.
Together, in every part of our diverse region, the CMA and communities can make a difference by linking together to care for our land and native animals so that they are there for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.
Please click here to find your nearest Landcare group.
In recognition of the valuable contribution by community groups to Landcare and natural resource management (NRM), the Glenelg Hopkins CMA is pleased to invite applications for the Landcare Start up Grant.
The grant is provided to assist new and reactivating groups with their administrative start up expenses, such as insurance premiums, and incorporation. This support has been made possible through the Victorian Action Plan for Second Generation Landcare Victorian Recruitment Initiative. Two levels of assistance are available depending on the nature of your group.
1) Landcare/Coastcare groups
Landcare/Coastcare Groups and other NRM groups who are working with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA to provide voluntary support, implement projects, and provide input into planning processes are eligible to apply for the $400 grant (excl.GST).
2) Landcare Associations/Networks
Landcare Networks and associations are typically made up of a number of Landcare/Coastcare group members. They play an important role in coordination, planning, preparing applications for funding, and information dissemination. In recognition of this important role, the CMA will offer Networks and associations the opportunity to apply for the Landcare Start up Grant of $800 (excl. GST).
We are pleased to provide this assistance and hope it will contribute to the ongoing success of groups and their management of our natural resources. We encourage your group or network to apply for the Landcare Start up Grant.
Please find attached information on the Grant Guidelines, a registration form, a statement of expenses form and a copy of the group health survey.
Landcare - a strong and proud history
The first Landcare Group was formed at Winjallock, near St Arnaud, on the 25th of November 1986. The term Landcare originated through an initiative of two women: Joan Kirner, then the Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands and Heather Mitchell, President of the Victorian Farmers Federation. This was the start of the Landcare movement. (Youl et.al Landcare in Australia 1998).
Landcare became a community environmental movement, with support from both sides of politics. The Hawke Government fully backed the concept of landcare, committing substantial funds and declaring the 1990s the 'Decade of Landcare'. A plan was formed with support from the community, State and Federal governments, Landcare was firmly established as a key environmental group.
Landcare groups began to appear all over the country, they received funding to implement projects through several different means. People used Landcare to come together to discuss mutual land and water problems and hopefully gain solutions.
There are estimated to be around 5000 (estimate only) community Landcare groups working in local communities throughout Australia, these groups are the backbone of the Landcare movement. There are few communities in Australia that haven't been touched by Landcare, both rural and urban.
The program encourages good land management and aims to improve the long term productivity and sustainability of the land. A group may tackle problems such as weed control, pest management, land management planning or erosion control.