Yellow-tailed black cockatoos, eastern long-necked turtles, scarlet robins and rakali are all set to benefit from habitat restoration as recipients of the 2024 round of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants are announced.

The board says grants are distributed widely across the region to private landholders, community groups, schools, and not-for-profit organisations, with all recipients demonstrating real intent and capability in bringing positive outcomes and resilience to the local environment.

From coastal and inland habitat and ecosystem restoration to watercourse and wetland preservation, and everything in between, these projects are serious about community-led protection and management of precious natural and agricultural landscapes.

Funding of $269,000 goes to 28 projects, with what the board says will have a priceless positive impact in the region.

Fleurieu grant recipients include:

• Tloperi Habitat restoration project at Clayton Bay.
• Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine - Understanding soils for sustainable vineyard management.
• Mount Compass Area School - Fleurieu swamp monitoring.
• Yundi Nature Conservancy - and activities to restore and manage Fleurieu swamps.
• Peninsula Providore Farm - Nangkita Olive Grove Biodiversity Enhancement project.
• Investigator College - Currency Creek Eco Centre eastern long-necked turtle basking platforms and nest protection.
• Fleurieu Marine Education – Coastal Custodians engagement project.
• Willunga Hillsface Landcare Group – Revegetation as part of Caring for the Washpool Wetland Catchment.

Funding for the grants is made available through the regional landscape levy and is awarded on merit to projects that demonstrate the best value for money and capability to deliver environmental outcomes in line with the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Plan 2021-2026.

This fifth round of Grassroots Grants follows the inaugural round of GreenSafe Grants, which offered funding of up to $500 to schools and community environmental groups, supporting practical needs including the purchase of personal protective equipment and minor tools.

Part of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board’s role is to deliver essential funding out to projects proposed and run by community for the benefit of the environment, to nurture the cultural values of Country, and for the ongoing success of dedicated volunteer groups, community organisations and land stewards.

The board says it looks forward to sharing stories of the people, groups and places behind the grants as these projects come to life throughout the year.

Full details of successful grant recipients and summaries of their projects, their stories and achievements throughout the year can be found on the website.