Grants available for natural resource management projects

Eyre Peninsula residents with ideas on improving the condition of natural resources on private or community land are invited to apply for Annual NRM grants from $500 and up to $25,000.

The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board’s 2016-17 Annual NRM Grant round is now open and Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula is looking for ideas or project proposals to help maintain or improve the condition of natural resources on private or community land in the Eyre Peninsula region.

Grants are funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (EP NRM Board).

EP NRM Board Presiding Member, Diana Laube said the board is seeking applications from community groups, local government, and land and marine managers, to help manage the regions’ biodiversity, coastal and marine environments and contribute to raising community awareness of local natural resources.

“Last financial year 45 local projects were funded, which in total helped improve the condition of nearly eight square kilometres of native vegetation and protect an area of fragile coastal environment equivalent to 1160 cricket ovals,” Ms Laube said.

“The grants also funded a variety of community training events, to raise awareness and understanding of local natural resources issues, and funded the control of 137 square kilometres of highly invasive weeds, while the marine environment was also supported through assistance with storm water management and marine debris projects.

“All of these community-driven projects contribute to the larger picture of what we are trying to achieve for Natural Resources Management on Eyre Peninsula and would not be possible without funding from the Australia Government’s National Landcare Programme,” said Ms Laube.

Senior Natural Resources Officer for southern Eyre Peninsula, Seb Drewer said last year he was impressed by the people’s interest in attending training events.

“This shows we have a community that care for their environment and want to do their bit to help protect it,” Mr Drewer said.

“I was also encouraged by the interest of community educators and teachers at the ‘Bringing the Coast to the Classroom’ workshops – as a result, the next generation is gaining awareness of the unique and special environment of Eyre Peninsula.

“I encourage anyone will a NRM grant idea to chat with me. We’ve made the application user friendly and we’re here to assist.”

Applications close COB Friday 29 April. For more information, including an application form, visit www.epnrm.com.au visit your local Natural Resources Management Office, or contact your local Natural Resource Officer:

Port Lincoln – Seb Drewer, phone 8688 3172 / 0427 004 324

Streaky Bay – Liz McTaggart, phone 8626 1108 / 0437 297 992

Cleve – Corey Yeates, phone 8628 2077 / 0429 677 604