By Mitchell Clarke
Public Cardinia Shire Council areas in need of some beautifying could soon receive a makeover.
Funding to visually improve our local townships has been made available as part of the 2020/21 Beautification Grant Program.
The scheme will allow various community groups and individuals to apply for funding towards landscape enhancement projects across the Shire, on a dollar-for-dollar basis or an in-kind volunteer labor up to $2000.
Priority will be given towards projects driven and supported by local community groups or areas used frequently by the community including town centres, council buildings, parks and reserves.
The money can go towards purchasing a range of materials including plants and mulch or products like garden stakes and tree guards.
For a project to be deemed eligible, it must be located on council owned or managed land, align with council priorities and be completed by 30 June next year.
Projects requiring a vegetation removal permit will not be granted.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jeff Springfield encouraged community groups and residents to submit their applications.
“Council’s Beautification Grant Program is the perfect opportunity for community groups to get started on that project they’ve been wanting to tick off their list but may not have had the funds to do so,” Cr Springfield said.
“The program assists our residents to enhance our open space areas for the community to enjoy and encourages the development of community input into delivering township strategies and landscape master plans.”
Applications for the program close on Monday 7 September.
More information at: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/beautificationgrants
