State Government of Victoria

•  Victorian Coalition Government opens next round of Communities for Nature grants
•  Grants part of Coalition Government’s $20 million investment into directly benefiting the environment
•  Coalition Government committed to supporting communities deliver better local environmental projects

As part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $20 million Communities for Nature program, schools, Landcare and Friends of Park groups are now invited to apply for grants for environmental projects across the state.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the latest round of Communities for Nature grants will deliver practical and meaningful partnerships between government, community and environmental groups.

"This round of $2 million in grants will give local groups an opportunity to apply for support for grassroot projects that people on a local level have recognised need to be protected and nurtured," Mr Smith said.

"Communities for Nature grants support local groups carry out important ecological projects by providing funding to complete on-ground works to conserve and enhance their local environment.

"Our environment will benefit to the tune of $20 million though local initiatives supported by the Coalition Government’s Communities for Nature program.

"Labor left Victoria’s ecosystem with a legacy of waste and mismanagement after 11 years of neglect.

"These grants are another example of the Coalition Government’s ability to deliver real and tangible support to local communities that directly benefit the environment."

Applications for this latest round of funding close Friday 11 April 2014.

For more information and to view a list of previous successful applicants visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/c4n