By DANI ROTHWELL
THE first round of the Dandenong Ranges Environmental and Bushfire Reduction Community Grants have been awarded.
Some $1 million has been allocated to local community groups, the Country Fire Authority and collaborative partnerships in the Dandenongs.
All successful recipients are running projects to reduce the impact of pest animals, improve the habitat through native plantings, or reduce the fuel load by removing woody weeds and other invasive plants.
Some of these groups include the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, awarded $300,000 and Johns Hill Landcare Group awarded a total amount of $46,160.
The Southern Ranges Environment Alliance was awarded multiple grants for a few projects, including $10,000 for a Gembrook Community Campaign and $6,640 for the Cockatoo Creek Vegetation Management Project.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood officially announced the successful 29 projects at the presentation on Friday.
“I wanted to make sure that this grants program took a logical approach to the issue that needs to be addressed here,” he said.
Federal Environment Minister and Flinders MP, Greg Hunt said that the program would make a significant difference to the biodiversity of the Dandenongs.
“It is a step in the right direction, with the future of the environment and community top of mind,” he said.
A total of $1,033,912 was allocated to 29 projects being run by 22 groups.
The grants are a part of a three-year $3 million commitment from the Federal Government on wildlife recovery, weed management and bushfire fuel reduction in the Dandenong Ranges.
