Forestry Minister Dave Kelly today opened applications for the Forest Products Commission’s Community Support Program, which has been increased to help more local organisations that are active in regional areas connected with forestry.
The program, which is now in its second year, has been increased from a total funding pool of $20,000 last year to $30,000 this year.
Grants of up to $2,000 will be available to community groups, not-for-profits and sporting clubs.
A range of groups benefited from the first round of the FPC program, including scouts, volunteer firefighters, schools, historical societies and a forest restoration group.
Last year’s grant round went towards a variety of worthy community resources, including the purchase of fire masks to increase the safety of volunteer firefighters in Collie, the purchase of bicycles for children at East Manjimup Primary School, and restoring a 1971 fire tanker to preserve the history of the local forest industry and bush fire brigades in Bridgetown.
Preference is given to applications that contribute the greatest benefit to regional communities, encourage recreation in State forests or educate the community about the benefits of forestry and the timber industry.
Applications open today and close on March 6, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.fpc.wa.gov.au
As noted by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
“The McGowan Government is committed to balancing a sustainable forestry industry with the preservation of our environment, to ensure Western Australians continue to enjoy the benefits of healthy forests in the future.
“An increase to this Community Support Program will assist more local groups who are working to make their communities better places to live.
“Last year, we saw some fantastic projects funded through the program, including a popular family day where about 150 children enjoyed planting tuart seeds, which they will nurture until they can be used to restore an area of Ludlow Tuart Forest.
“The Forest Products Commission contributes close to $100 million each year to regional communities and is committed to supporting initiatives which provide lasting benefits to regional areas.”
