RURAL landowners across the City of Whittlesea can now apply for up to $6000 through the council’s Environmental Works Grant Program.
The program supports practical projects designed to improve land management and protect the local environment, with funding available for works including fencing, erosion control, weed management, revegetation, protection of remnant vegetation and the installation of water troughs.
Funding can also be used for integrated pest animal control and other sustainable land management practices that contribute to healthier waterways, increased biodiversity and stronger wildlife corridors.
Eden Park resident Norm Dinnage has seen the benefits of the program firsthand, using the grants over the past decade to undertake a range of environmental works on his property.
Mr Dinnage has used the funding to fence sections of Barbers Creek and a nearby farm dam, plant thousands of trees, shrubs and waterway plants, and install nest boxes for local wildlife.
The works have helped reduce erosion and improve the health of the waterway, while creating new habitat for native animals.
Mr Dinnage said the changes had resulted in increased birdlife, along with more frogs and lizards returning to the property.
“The availability of the City of Whittlesea grant program has allowed us to do a lot more fencing around dams and along the creek to protect them from damage, reduce erosion of the banks and help establish reeds and grasses as well as improve water quality,” he said.
“The satisfaction that you get from improving your land, seeing the plants grow and establish a better natural habitat for small animals and birds is very rewarding.”
The Environmental Works Grant Program forms part of the City of Whittlesea’s Community Grants Program.
Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time, with applications for the current round open until November 30.
Landowners interested in applying can check their eligibility and submit an application through the City of Whittlesea’s Sustainable land management grants and incentives page.
