GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP SAVE KOALAS

Organisations in the Riverina and Central West with an interest in Koalas may be eligible for grants to fund community-led projects which help save one of Australia’s most loved native animals.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Round 2 of the Saving Koalas Fund was now open for applications.

“Grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 are available for small-scale projects and activities which support the recovery and protection of Koalas,” Mr McCormack said.

“There are pockets of Koala populations in the Riverina and Central West and plenty of people in our communities who would like to see those populations grow and thrive.

“Here is an opportunity to obtain resources to make that happen.

“An Australia without Koalas is unthinkable, so let’s jump on this opportunity for the region to play its part in saving Koalas for future generations to see and love as much as we do.”

Mr McCormack said grants could fund 100 per cent of eligible projects, but cash or in-kind contributions, including volunteer contributions, were strongly encouraged to amplify the impact of the program. Co-contributions can come from State Government or Local Government grants.

“Applications close on 9 May, so I would encourage anyone interested in a Saving Koala Fund grant to get working on their applications as soon as possible,” Mr McCormack said.

The $76.9 million Saving Koalas Fund will run over four years starting in 2022-23.

Further information about the Fund, including eligibility criteria and the application process, can be found at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/saving-koalas-fund-community-grants-round-2