LOCAL groups with a passion for the Sunshine Coast environment are encouraged to apply for individual grants of up to $20,000.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said $150,000 was up for grabs in his Fairfax electorate for grassroots projects that improve the local environment.
“Whether it’s restoring sand dunes, removing weeds from parks or cleaning waterways, there are so many ways people can make a difference and the Federal Government is getting behind your projects.
Sunny Coast people are very active and vocal about protecting the region’s natural beauty and for good reason. We live in one of the most beautiful natural regions in Australia – with pristine beaches and bushland.
“The Communities Environment Program will fund up to 20 environmental projects in my electorate, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
“So please, if you care about turtles, trees, rivers or parks – or anything else on the Coast that you believe needs attention – please apply.”
Mr O’Brien said the grants were designed to harness local knowledge and built on a range of other Federal Government initiatives such as the $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was backing community organisations.
“We are harnessing local communities and local knowledge to protect our environment,” said Mr Morrison.
“Only the Liberal and Nationals Government can protect the environment without raising taxes.”
The program will fund small-scale projects such as restoring coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks and urban areas.
A broad range of organisations will be eligible, including community clubs like Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, schools, and other community and conservation groups.
More information and details on eligibility are available at www.environment.gov.au/cep
To register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest form online – HERE – by 2 April 2019. Please call 5479 2800 and speak with Shannon or Hayley if you would like to discuss your expression of interest.
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Q&A
Under the Communities Environment Program, each federal electorate can receive up to $150,000 in grant funding for small-scale, community-led projects for environmental priorities such as:
- waste and litter reduction
- protecting native animals, including our threatened species
- addressing weeds and pest animals
- restoring and improving coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
- greening parks and urban areas.
This program aims to support the environmental priorities of local community and environment groups in their regions and neighbourhoods. It aims to not only recover and strengthen our environment, but also to build and strengthen our communities.
Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant amount being $2,500 and the maximum grant amount set at $20,000. Projects are nominated for funding by the Local Member of Parliament in consultation with the community.
Initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open and will close 2 April 2019.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a community organisation that is a legal entity, able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth.
- Community clubs (including Lions clubs, rotary clubs, scouts and guides groups, sports clubs), not-for-profit organisations such as Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups (including bushcare, coastcare, ‘friends of’ groups), schools, councils, and other community and conservation groups are all encouraged to apply.
How do I express interest?
- You may complete the EOI on line by 2 April 2019
- Ted will then consider the Expressions of Interest and decide which projects to nominate after consulting with the community through a panel.
- If your organisation is nominated, you’ll be invited by Ted to apply formally when the program officially opens in mid-2019 through the Australian Government Business Grants Hub. Nominated projects will need to meet Program Guidelines and eligibility criteria, which will be made available closer to the opening date.
How many grants will be issued?
- A total of $22.65 million has been allocated nationally.
- Up to $150,000 is available in each electorate for up to 20 projects between $2,500 and $20,000.
For more information about the Communities’ Environment Program, please contact the office on 07 5479 2800 and ask for Shannon or Hayley.