Funds available for grassroots projects

In the last three years, over $700,000 has been distributed to more than 100 environmental and primary production projects in the Hills and Fleurieu region. Projects have ranged from revegetating creek-lines and dune systems, using First Nations land management learnings to restore threatened swamps, installing weather stations, monitoring threatened species, and planting out insectaries to encourage beneficial insect predators to vineyards.

The sky’s the limit to the creativity and innovation that can be channelled towards protecting and enhancing our natural environment, or embracing and implementing improved soil health practices. Previous recipients have included not-for-profit community and industry groups, natural resource centres, schools, individuals and First Nations organisations, with projects spanning the length of the Hills and Fleurieu region.

Round four of the program opens on Tuesday 7 March and applications will be accepted until 18 April. This year, $250,000 will be distributed across two tiers of funding. Tier one is for smaller projects up to $3,000, and tier two caters for larger projects up to $20,000.

Chair of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, David Greenhough, invites those with suitable projects to submit an application.

“If you have a project that that will enrich our natural environment or has primary production outcomes, this is great way to attain some funding to get it off the ground, or keep it moving. Previous projects have been really diverse and we encourage that to continue. We strive to be known as an innovative region in this space, and some of the cutting edge soil management practices farmers are exploring for example, have been particularly exciting.

“We encourage neighbours to collaborate too, we’ve seen great results when landholders work together across multiple properties, achieving results at a larger scale. We have also seen projects attain funding over several rounds and this is also yielding fantastic outcomes. For example, the Yundi Nature Conservancy, with the help of Kool Tours, is on a journey of discovery as Ngarrindjeri values about managing Fleurieu Swamps have been re-learned and shared, it’s truly inspiring,” he said.

The Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu website has more information about the program including grant guidelines, application forms, and other information to help you through the process. You can also read about past recipients to gain insight into successful projects in previous rounds.

Previous grant rounds have been very popular and oversubscribed, so this year, all applicants are required to speak with the Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu team on 8391 7500 prior to submitting their application. Prospective applicants may like to attend our Zoom Q+A session on Tuesday 28 March from 4:30-5:30pm. Visit our webpage for more information.