29/04/2005 - Thousands
of volunteers across Australia are ready to
roll up their sleeves and do their bit for
the environment and sustainable agriculture
following today's announcement of Round 6
of the Australian Government Envirofund.
Australian Government Ministers for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, and Fisheries,
Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald
approved a total of $11.3 million in funding
for 710 Envirofund projects.
Senator Campbell today thanked the thousands
of volunteers who since 2002 have helped to
restore and conserve our natural resources.
"The dedication of so many individuals
and community groups to tackle local environmental
issues is a resounding endorsement of the
Australian Government Envirofund," he
said.
"This brings the total projects funded
to over 4,700 since Envirofund commenced in
2002 with total grants reaching over $70 million.
"Individuals and community groups have
already made significant headway in improving
agricultural lands and environmental hot-spots
by reducing weeds, targeting salinity, improving
water quality, monitoring threatened species,
and addressing erosion. I look forward to
seeing the results of the Round 6 projects."
Envirofund is the community component of
the Australian Government's $3 billion Natural
Heritage Trust. Individuals and groups can
apply for grants of up to $30,000 for local
projects such as native vegetation planting,
fencing to protect remnant vegetation, skill
and knowledge building activities, and trials
of new techniques for sustainable farming,
forestry or fishing. Grants of up to $50,000
will be considered where extra funding can
be justified.
Senator Macdonald said Envirofund was the
flagship of the Australian Government's commitment
to local environment and conservation.
"It empowers regional communities to
carry out on-ground projects that improve
sustainable resource management, enhance biodiversity,
develop capacity and raise community awareness.
"These people are doing critical work
to safeguard our natural resources for future
generations. I urge Australians to apply for
a grant to make a difference to the environment."
Senator Macdonald said in addition to the
Australian Government's $11.3 million being
granted nationally, applicants would be providing
an impressive $9.7 million either in-cash
or in-kind as their contribution to projects.
Envirofund is moving to one round per year
with Round 7 opening later in 2005. Dates
for Round 7 will be posted on the www.nht.gov.au/envirofund
website.
