By Mitchell Clarke
Cardinia Shire Council has opened applications for their 2019-20 Beautification Grant program.
The program provides both individuals and community groups with funds for landscape enhancement projects on areas of public open space, with funding available of a dollar-for-dollar basis with a maximum of $2000 per grant.
The funding may be used to cover the purchase of plant material, stakes, tree guards and mulch while other landscaping materials such as street and park furniture are considered a lower priority.
The projects must be finished by June 30 2020 and fall within the boundaries of the shire.
Projects given highest priority are ones that involve community groups, are in areas used frequently like town centres, recreation reserves, halls and parks as well as areas which could benefit from being improved with the appearance of green, open spaces.
Grant recipients need to submit a project completion form with receipts for the materials used and photos of the project.
Council won’t fund grants for projects which require a vegetation removal permit, where funds may be obtained from other sources or on land that isn’t managed by council.
