PROJECT OVERVIEW
South West Community Groundworks provides grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to the South West Landcare community to address National Landcare Programme priorities through on-ground focused projects and related activities.
The grants aim to support projects that protect biodiversity and sites of ecological value, support sustainable management of agriculture and aquaculture, increase the skills and knowledge of the local community in Natural Resources Management (NRM) and other priority activities identified within local and regional NRM plans and strategies.
2016/17 saw the third and final round of Community Groundworks rolled out with over $173,000 allocated to 12 submissions from Landcare groups, local councils, schools and land owners.
Overall, more than $440,000 has been awarded to 36 community driven projects supporting Landcare groups (18 projects), local governments (5 projects), individual landholders (10 projects) and school groups (3 projects).
So far, these projects have facilitated a range of activities and outcomes;
- 15 community events
- 13.7 km fencing, protecting 141 ha of remnant vegetation and new plantings
- 141,599 seedlings planted, over an area of 21.47 ha
- 862.28 ha of weed control
- 1.57 ha treated for erosion
- 34 wildlife nesting boxes installed
With an additional 12 projects funded in 2016/17, all participating groups have been busy delivering on-ground work and community engagement activities. The following has been achieved during 2016/17:
- 3 community events
- 4.8 km fencing, protecting 73 ha
- 111,641 seedlings planted
- 849.33 ha weed control
- 8 nesting boxes installed
- Of the 36 projects funded, 17 were also finalised during 2016/17.
“The students already work extensively with the plant life and insects as well as the overall ecology of the wetlands area. The bird hide will allow us to expand science and environmental studies to native birds in the area, which makes this facility even more valuable to the community”
Margaret River Montessori School Principal Lisa Fenton discussing the new bird hide that was supported through Community Groundworks.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Project activities will continue to be delivered by project partners. All projects will be finalised by March 2018.
FUN FACT
The Community Groundworks Grants are part of SWCC’s commitment to engaging, supporting and building the capacity of grassroots, community driven Landcare in the South West.
FUNDING RECIPIENTS
- 15 Landcare groups
- 15 Landcare groups
- 3 local governments
- 6 individual landholders
- 3 school groups
COMMITMENT
Round 3 complete and funding awarded
ACHIEVEMENT
Round 3 complete and funding awarded
COMMITMENT
Successful applicants supported to coordinate and report on their projects
ACHIEVEMENT
Successful applicants supported to coordinate and report on their projects
Project Manager
Rebecca Walker, Ryan Munro and Monica Durcan
