Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging community groups in Wyndham to help protect the environment, with grants of up to $50,000 now available for conservation projects or habitat restoration.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has announced the $7.4 million Community Environment Grants package, which will fund small and large-scale projects dedicated to preserving Victoria’s biodiversity and waterways.

Community and Traditional Owners groups, volunteer organisations and schools from across Werribee district are welcome to apply for grants through three different streams, which include:

• Community Volunteer Action Grants – to protect and enhance the natural environment, boost volunteer participation and address threats to biodiversity on public and private land.
• The Port Phillip Bay Fund – to protect the health of Victoria’s iconic Port Phillip Bay by supporting projects that maintain and improve the health of the Bay’s marine life, habitats and water quality
• Aboriginal Community Caring for Country Grants – to support Aboriginal communities and organisations to access and care for Country.

A further two streams will open later this year, including the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants – opening in March – which supports the next generation of Victorians to protect biodiversity through action that improves and restores habitat for native plants and animals.

The Victorian Landcare Grants will open in April to support groups to undertake on-ground and natural environment improvement works.

For more information and to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We have so many wonderful community groups in Wyndham dedicated to protecting and enhancing our precious biodiversity – these grants ensure their good work can continue.”

“Communities and volunteers in Wyndham play such an important role to ensure Victoria’s natural environment remains healthy for years to come.”

“This is an opportunity to invest in projects with clear conservation outcomes and I encourage all eligible community groups and organisations to apply.”