$150,000 for a cleaner, greener Wide Bay

5/3/2019

$150,000 for a cleaner, greener Wide Bay

Whether their mission is protecting the Mary River’s unique bum-breathing turtles, eradicating weeds, or planting a tree, Wide Bay community groups will be able to share in $150,000 to help protect our environment, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Mr O’Brien said the funding was part of a $22 million investment by the Morrison Government to deliver practical environmental projects across Australia.
 
“Wide Bay’s dedicated and hardworking community groups are already doing excellent work to protect our environment, and this funding will allow them to ensure Wide Bay stays pristine into the future,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“Whether it’s tree-planting, cleaning up waterways or protecting the natural habitat of our unique wildlife like the Mary River turtle, the Communities Environment Program will support our community and environment groups to deliver real environmental and heritage benefits here in Wide Bay.”
 
The Communities Environment Program will provide up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for community-led projects that deliver real environmental benefits. 
 
The program builds on the Coalition’s strong record of investing in grassroots environmental action through initiatives such as our $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.
 
Minister for the Environment, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said the new program would protect the environment.
 
“From Sydney’s iconic waterways, to the beaches of Perth, to Port Phillip Bay and beyond, we will be supporting local groups to deliver clear and measurable benefits to our environment and our communities.
 
“The environment belongs to us all and Australians want to do their bit to protect and enhance the world around them for future generations.”
 
The program is modelled on the Government’s successful Stronger Communities program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
 
The program will fund small-scale projects that deliver outcomes for priorities such as restoring coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks and urban areas.
 
A broad range of organisations will be eligible, including community clubs like Lions clubs and rotary clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, schools, and other community and conservation groups..
 
More information is available at www.environment.gov.au/cep
 
ENDS