Applications are now open for the long-running Lake Macquarie Community Environment Grants program.
Conservation groups, local schools and services clubs are just some of the not-for-profit organisations encouraged to apply for the biannual $30,000 funding, with individual grants of up to $5000 available.
Lake Macquarie City Council Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said successful applicants would demonstrate how they planned to improve the lake’s unique landscape or inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour in the city.
“We’ve been running these grants for over 20 years now and have provided funding to over 300 incredible projects,” Ms Harle said.
Jennifer Maverick, project lead of Cardiff Area Pollinators project, said grant funding received in 2019 facilitated distribution of more than 100 plants supporting the biodiversity and longevity of pollinating species like native bees and birds to the community.
“These grants allow both Council and environmental groups to create lasting positive outcomes for the community, and our environment,” Ms Maverick said.
Dudley Public School is home to an ‘eco-sense garden’, another project made possible by Community Environment Grant funding.
The garden is a space where native plantings provide a sensory experience such as smell or touch, with both the school and surrounding community encouraged to use the space.
“This makes for interactive sustainability education, while also providing a thriving habitat for important fauna such as birds and bees,” Ms Harle said.
“It’s amazing to see the different facets of the community that engage with the grants, and the eco-sense garden is a great example of how people of all ages can get involved.”
Applicants are encouraged to attend the free information webinar session on Monday 20 March.
Applications close Thursday 7 April.
Go to lakemac.com.au
