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

Offered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, the 2021 round of the grants totals $220,000. 

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

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,” Mr Greenhough says.

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 says there are many ways the 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 says the Grassroots Grants program is aimed at local projects that contribute to improved management of the environment.

“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 opened April 12 and close May 24. For guidelines, FAQs and application forms, visit the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board website.