08/04/2005 - Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today called for applications
for general-purpose grants from eligible environment
and heritage organisations.
Conservation work carried out by Australia's
voluntary organisations will get a welcome
boost under the Australian Government's programme
of Grants to Voluntary Environment and Heritage
Organisations (GVEHO).
Senator Campbell said the programme recognises
the important role that voluntary organisations
play in protecting our land, animals and historic
places.
"We are lucky in Australia to have so
many people dedicated to caring for the Australian
landscape and living history, often on their
own time and with limited resources,"
Senator Campbell said.
"GVEHO grants provide organisations
with practical funding to help them deliver
services and projects that protect and conserve
our natural environment and historic heritage.
"Organisations are assessed both on
their track record, and their potential to
deliver on-ground environment projects or
contribute to the protection of Australia's
heritage.
"With this support, communities are
safeguarding habitat for native plants and
animals, improving water-based ecosystems
and tackling introduced pests. They're also
conserving our unique heritage so that future
generations can share in the Australian story.
"Over the last five years the Australian
Government has provided over $7 million to
environment and heritage organisations under
this programme. Groups can also access funding
under the $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust,
$1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity
and Water Quality and the $3 million Sharing
Australia's Stories programme.
"I encourage all eligible groups to
apply under GVEHO, and wish them the best
of luck."
Eligible organisations can apply for grants
of up to three years to a value of up to $10,000
per year. However, grants of higher amounts
will be considered in exceptional circumstances
and where there is a demonstrated need.
