14 May 2010
DAFF10/438BJ

Joint media release
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Population Tony Burke
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garrett

The Rudd Government today announced more than $1.4 million in additional funding for 81 community groups to undertake environmental and sustainable agricultural projects under Caring for our Country.

Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the community groups will receive grants of between $5000 and $20,000 through the Community Action Grants program.

This is in addition to the 348 Community Action Grant projects worth more than $5.8 million that were announced earlier this year.

Mr Burke said the grants are supporting Landcare, Coastcare, Indigenous and other environmental groups to undertake activities such as improving land management practices, tree planting, revegetation, field days and weed removal.

“During National Volunteer Week, it’s important to recognise the invaluable contribution volunteers from grassroots organisations like Landcare and Coastcare make”, Mr Burke said.

“The Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that these groups continue to play a key role in improving productivity, biodiversity and helping to tackle climate change.”

Mr Garrett said the Community Action Grants program was helping community groups across Australia continue vital work in improving Australia’s biodiversity and dealing with the impacts of climate change.

“The Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society in Victoria is receiving $20,000 to clean up beaches and remove marine debris in the Port Phillip Bay and Western Port area,” Mr Garrett said.

“Kids After Dark in Western Australia is receiving $17,036 to set up a conservation and wildlife sanctuary to be run by local Indigenous youth in consultation with Aboriginal elders.”

The opening of a further round of Community Action Grants will be announced soon.

A complete list of successful 2009-10 Caring for our Country Community Action Grants projects is available at www.nrm.gov.au. Further information is available by calling 1800 552 008.