$10 million to help bushfire-affected communities recover their environment

The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment

The Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management

Men’s sheds, conservation groups, community organisations, not-for-profits and traditional owners can now apply for grants through the Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program to undertake on-ground recovery actions which will benefit their local environment.

The $10 million Morrison Government program, offering grants of between $5000 and $150,000, is part of the Australian Government’s $200 million investment to help native wildlife and their habitats recover from the devastating impacts of last summer’s bushfires.

“Communities have been profoundly affected by the fires. They have also shown tremendous resilience and taking an active role in the recovery of the environment could be an integral part of the healing journey for many people,” Minister Ley said.

“I have visited communities and have seen first-hand the early results of bushfire recovery work on habitats. Recovery is already happening, but it is going to take time and the community has a vital role to play in making it happen.

“The Government recognises that harnessing local knowledge and stewardship, along with financial support, is essential to recovery and building the resilience of native plants and animals.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said that bushfire impacts on native wildlife and habitats has been significant.

“We know that it will take a diverse range of projects to assist with the recovery of our unique flora and fauna devastated by last summer’s fires,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Helping our environment to recover from the devastating impact of the Black Summer bushfires is a critical part of our overall community recovery effort.

“I encourage local groups that can provide assistance to consider how they could use one of these grants and to get their application in,” Minister Littleproud said.

Eligible project activities include provision of supplementary shelter, nest boxes and artificial hollows, eradicating or reducing the impact of pest animals and weeds, protecting sensitive habitat and waterways, and seed collection, propagation and revegetation of native plants.

Applications are now open and will close on 27 November 2020. Grant guidelines are available at business.gov.au/brwhc

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