The federal government will invest more than $22 million to deliver practical environmental projects, giving communities new opportunities to protect and care for their local environment.
The Communities Environment Program will provide up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for community-led projects that deliver real environmental benefits.
The program builds on the government’s strong record of investing in grassroots environmental action through initiatives such as our $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the Communities Environment Program would support local community and environment groups deliver real environmental and heritage benefits.
“Community groups in Far North Queensland are already delivering excellent projects whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up waterways or preventing soil erosion,” Mr Entsch said.
“There will be $150,000 available for local groups in Far North Queensland to continue that work and support our local environment.
“Far North Queenslanders are extremely passionate about their local environment and we all have a responsibility to protect our natural assets.”
Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price said the new program would help protect the local environment.
“From our World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, to the beaches of Perth, to Port Phillip Bay and beyond, we will be supporting local groups to deliver clear and measurable benefits to our environment and our communities,” Ms Price said.
“The environment belongs to us all and Australians want to do their bit to protect and enhance the world around them for future generations.”
The program is modelled on the government’s successful Stronger Communities program.
Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
The program will fund small-scale projects that deliver outcomes for priorities 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 is available at www.environment.gov.au/cep
