The Morrison Government is investing more than $22 million in a new program to support local environmental projects, giving communities on the Mornington Peninsula new opportunities to protect and care for our natural environment.
Under the Government’s Communities Environment Program, each electorate will be provided with up to $150,000 to fund up to 20 local projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 per project.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, welcomed the opening of the program, saying it would empower local community groups on the Peninsula to deliver practical improvements to the local environment.
“Community groups on the Mornington Peninsula are already delivering fantastic projects, whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up local waterways, reducing litter or protecting native species,” Mr Hunt said.
“This investment of more than $22 million will help these groups to make the Mornington Peninsula cleaner and greener for future generations.”
“This program means that Peninsula based groups can help maintain and improve our local environment and take an active role in conservation.”
“Expressions of interest will close on the 30th of August at 5PM and I urge all interested groups to get involved and submit an application.”
A broad range of organisations are eligible for nomination, including community clubs, not-for-profit organisations, landcare groups and schools.
Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the Grant allowed local communities to lead environmental initiatives in their own backyards.
“The Communities Environment Program is backing Australian communities to deliver environmental outcomes in their area,” Minister Ley said.
“This is about the Morrison Government empowering communities, respecting their ability to identify local priorities and, then, backing them with financial support.
“The cumulative impact of local communities across metropolitan and regional Australia all getting involved in these environmental projects will be significant.”
The Communities Environment Program would play a key role alongside the Morrison Government’s commitments to the Environment Restoration fund, Landcare and Waste and Recycling initiatives.
“Local Members will work with their communities before nominating the projects in their electorate,” Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, who will manage delivery of the Communities Environment Program, said.
“Members from all parties will consult with community environmental groups, conservation volunteers and local residents to deliver projects such as cleaning local waterways, protecting local habitat areas, planting trees, reducing litter and other innovative concepts,” Assistant Minister Evans said.
Program guidelines: www.business.gov.au/cep and www.grants.gov.au
