Grassroots Grants 2021 open for applications

Grassroots grants to help protect and improve land, water and nature are now open for applications.

The 2021 round of the grants, totalling $220,000 are being offered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.

“We welcome applications from individuals, volunteers, schools, community organisations and other not-for-profit groups working locally for environmental benefits,” said board chair David Greenhough.

Two tiers of grants are available - small grants up to $1,000, and larger grants from $1,001-$20,000.

Funding will be awarded on merit to projects that demonstrate the best value for money and delivery of outcomes that address the priorities in the draft Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Plan 2021-2026.

“We look forward to supporting the Hills and Fleurieu community to play an active role in protecting and restoring our landscapes,” he said.

The projects must be within the region covered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, which runs from Kersbrook to Cape Jervis, and from the Lower Gulf St Vincent across to the Murray Mouth and Langhorne Creek.

Mr Greenhough said there are a many ways these grants could be used “from volunteer groups who need safety gear, tools and material to progress their revegetation projects; landholders looking to improve their soil, watercourses and biodiversity; or citizen scientists with a local project in mind.”

“Aboriginal people and groups can apply for a grant to support their connection to Country and share their important knowledge of the cultural values of water, land and biodiversity”.

Previous recipients have used their grants to rehabilitate a local creek, document Aboriginal values of swamps, establish native plants around vineyards and restore native vegetation on coastal dunes.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the Grassroots Grants program is aimed at local projects that contribute to improved management of the environment.

“The Marshall Liberal Government’s Landscape SA legislation is an historic reform of how we approach natural resources management in South Australia,” Minister Speirs said.

“It’s all about a back-to-basics approach and giving local communities a greater say in how we manage our natural environment.

“The Grassroots Grants could be used to kickstart a new project or build upon an existing one for activities such as weed treatment, pest or disease management, fencing, erosion management, revegetation and community education activities.”

Applications for the grants open April 12 at 12 noon, and close May 24.

For guidelines, FAQs and application forms, visit the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board websitewww.landscape.sa.gov.au/hf/home