The Coalition Government has announced the opening of the second round of grants available to Murray-Darling Basin communities and farmers under the $20 million Healthy Rivers Program.
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt encouraged communities and farmers to apply for these grants to get involved in improving the health of their local rivers and wetlands.
"We're helping passionate communities deliver practical, on-ground projects throughout the Murray-Darling Basin. Grant recipients will spend money in their community, supporting local jobs and businesses," Minister Pitt said.
"Round two continues the small grants from round one and introduces larger grants, allowing communities to deliver projects that have catchment-scale benefits.
"Applicants can apply for small grants valued between $5,000 and $100,000 and large grants from more than $100,000 and $2 million.
"Communities and farmers can apply to undertake a wide range of projects, from fencing off rivers and wetlands to protect native species, to revegetating an eroded area of riverbank.
"Projects funded under the first small grants round ranged from planting native species along rivers and wetlands to upgrading equipment to expand feral pig control.
"A grant under the large grants stream could be used to enhance the health of long stretches of river through projects such as building erosion control structures or installing fish passages to improve river connectivity.
"We have made changes to the guidelines in response to feedback received on Round 1 and to widen eligibility, such as making more community organisations as well as local and state governments eligible. I encourage potential applicants to check the guidelines to see if they are now eligible.
"These grants are fantastic for both the environment and Basin communities. They will put people in jobs and support local small businesses in communities recovering from drought and COVID-19.
"Not only are these grants great for the environment, they will also provide real jobs in Basin communities recovering from drought and COVID-19. I look forward to seeing groups across the community get involved, from farmers, to Scouts to First Nations."
The Healthy Rivers Program forms a key part of the Australian Government's Murray-Darling Communities Investment Package, which is putting communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.
Applications for both small and large grants will open on 25 August 2021 and close at 9pm AEDT on 6 October 2021.
To learn more about what a grant could fund or to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.
