$40,000 in Community Environment Grants on offer in Lake Mac

Lake Macquarie City Council is set to award a total $40,000 this financial year to non-profit community groups to improve the local environment and encourage environmentally sustainable practices.

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Applications are now open for the latest round of Community Environment Grants, with up to $5000 available for each successful project.

Manager Community Partnerships Andrew Bryant said that while many group activities had become more difficult during COVID-19, the pandemic had also prompted more people to get outdoors and appreciate Lake Mac’s natural environment.

“We’re committed to protecting and rehabilitating our environment, and Council’s Community Environment Grants provide a grassroots way of doing so,” Mr Bryant said.

“They might be gardening or revegetation projects, projects for schools or non-profit preschools, or any other initiatives that will benefit our environment.”

Grants will also be considered for ideas that help promote environmentally sustainable behaviour in the community, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, improve biodiversity, reduce waste or encourage recycling and upcycling.

Recipients of recent Community Environment Grants include Central Rankin Park Landcare, awarded almost $2000 to install nest-boxes for birds, marsupials and microbats along Blue Wren Creek.

Spokesman John Fitter said 37 species of birds had been identified in the area, including black cockatoos, rosellas, lorikeets and various owl species.

In Eleebana, a separate grant has funded a project to clear weeds and plant native species behind a retirement home along Fossil Wing Creek.

“We want to be as supportive and flexible as possible to make community projects like these happen while maintaining COVID-19 health guidelines,” Mr Bryant said.

Applications for the latest round of funding close 5pm Monday 21 September. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an information webinar on Tuesday 1 September at 5.30pm. To RSVP to the webinar, learn more about the Community Environment Grants program and apply, go to lakemac.com.au.