Lane Cove MP the Hon. Anthony Roberts is encouraging local bushcare and Landcare groups to apply for up to $250,000 in new funding available through the Environmental Trust for large-scale, long-term bush regeneration projects.

The $8 million Community Bush Regeneration Large Project Stream was launched earlier this month by NSW Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker.

“This new program is offering grants of between $200,000 and $250,000 for projects which will run for up to six years,” Mr Roberts said.

“They provide a great opportunity for local community organisations, like Landcare and bushcare groups, to undertake major regeneration projects, with security of funding for up to six years.

“The grants are available for projects that protect, restore and enhance the natural environment, including the rehabilitation of degraded bushland.

“Applications are open until January 31, 2012 and I encourage local community organisations to explore this new opportunity for funding for major projects.”

Ms Parker said the Community Bush Regeneration Large Project Stream has been established under the Trust’s existing Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Program.

“This new program fulfils our promise to provide additional funding to protect the natural environment and support local bush regeneration initiatives,” Ms Parker said.

Applications are invited for projects that:

·      regenerate degraded natural areas, including bushland, riverbanks, degraded waterways and rare and endangered ecosystems

·      improve the ongoing health and improve resilience of important ecosystems and habitats of rare and endangered flora and fauna

·      improve ecological connectivity within and between natural areas

·      improve the capacity of, and resource local community groups to protect, restore and enhance the environment by strengthening local community organisations whose primary purpose is to undertake environmental works in their local area.

Full details at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/envtrust.htm