LANDHOLDERS across the region can now enjoy the benefits of having carbon-offsetting native vegetation on their property.
Managed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) with funding from the City of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, and Mount Alexander Shire Council, Grow Towards Zero is a project that will seek to support landowners of individual sites where the combined planting area is five hectares or more, or a group of neighbouring landholders are looking to create corridors of native vegetation.
CMA Business Development Manager Matthew Dawson invited expressions of interest from landholders across the North Central CMA region or within the areas of participating councils.
“We’re looking for landholders keen to have trees planted on their property to offset local carbon emissions and take on-ground climate change action,” he said.
“Native trees and shrubs bring all kinds of benefits to a property. As well as looking great, native vegetation means increased habitat for wildlife, and can help reduce soil and wind erosion.
“Undertaking revegetation on private property can be costly. This program addresses this by using carbon offset needs to source and plant the trees and shrubs and maintain them for two years.
“Landholders won’t need to provide a financial contribution to set up the sites or be required to place a covenant over the site, and by joining this program, landowners will be keeping carbon credits within the local economy.”
The first round of expressions of interest for the project is open until March 31, 2025.
The project will develop a portfolio of potential sites, with intentions to stagger implementation on a selection over the coming few years.
For more information, visit www.nccma.vic.gov.au/grow-towards-zero.
