GRANTS TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO PROTECT LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

LOCAL communities throughout the Riverina and Central West are set to share in $150,000 of funding with expressions of interest now open for the Communities Environment Program.

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $22 million to help communities further strengthen local environments.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Riverina and Central West people, who know their communities best, to complete grass roots projects which clean and green their local environment,” Mr McCormack said.  

“We have seen how community-driven and supported projects, such as the Marrambidya Wetlands in Wagga Wagga, can improve the environment for native flora and fauna and enrich all our lives.”  

Each electorate around Australia can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant being $2,500 and the maximum grant set at $20,000.  

Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned to Mr McCormack’s office as soon as possible before 27 September 2019.  

At the end of the EOI period Mr McCormack will invite selected EOIs to submit formal applications for funding.  

To be eligible for funding you must be a community organisation which is a legal entity and able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. 

Community clubs (including Rotary clubs, Lions clubs and Apex clubs), Scouts and Guides groups, sports clubs, not-for-profit organisations (such as Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, bushcare and ‘friends of’ groups), schools, councils and other community and conservation groups are all encouraged to apply. 

An EOI form can be obtained by telephoning Mr McCormack’s Wagga Wagga office on (02) 6921 4600, downloading from https://www.michaelmccormack.com.au/s/SCP-expression-of-interest-form-with-fact-sheet-and-FAQ.pdf or emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au.  

Program guidelines: www.business.gov.au/cep and  www.grants.gov.au.