$1m in grants for community landscape management

Community organisations and volunteers in the metropolitan area can now apply for a share of $1 million from Green Adelaide’s Grassroots Grants program to support local projects which improve environmental outcomes.

The Green Adelaide Board is funding the grants which is part of a $2 million statewide program funded by the state’s regional landscape boards to help communities be more directly responsible for managing natural resources in their regions.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said applicants could also include individuals, volunteers, community groups and other bodies working on local projects that contribute to improved management of the environment.

“The Marshall Liberal Government’s Landscape SA legislation is an historic reform of how we approach natural resources management in South Australia,” said Minister Speirs.

“It’s all about a back-to-basics approach and giving local communities a greater say in how we manage our natural environment.

“The Grassroots Grants could be used to kickstart a new project or build upon an existing one for activities such as weed treatment, pest or disease management, fencing, erosion management, revegetation and community education activities.

“The aim is for communities to play a greater role in managing and improving landscapes, including carrying out on-ground works.”

Green Adelaide Board presiding member Chris Daniels said the program would help people and groups feel more connected to, and responsible for, their areas’ natural resources.

“Green Adelaide’s focus is on making progress towards a climate resilient and ecologically vibrant city, stretching from the hills to the sea,” Professor Daniels said.

“The Grassroots Grants program enables people and organisations to address environmental issues at a local level, which will make a significant contribution to our overall achievements. The Green Adelaide region covers 17 metropolitan council areas and I am excited to see what ideas will be put forward to address the challenges in our urban areas.”

The funding is for not-for-profit projects valued up to $150,000, depending on the scale and length of the work. Grants will be available in three categories: up to $10,000; $10,000 to $50,000; and $50,000 to $150,000.

Applications close on 16 September 2020 and can be made via the Department for Environment and Water’s online grant management system: https://gmsportal.environment.sa.gov.au.

Grassroots Grants are also available in the state’s eight regional landscape areas with applications closing on 24 August. For more information, or to download application guidelines, visit Green Adelaide’s website.

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