Tara Murray
Rural landholders can get some help implementing sustainable land management projects through Whittlesea council’s Environmental Works Grant Program.
The program provides a financial incentive to rural landowners on two hectares or more to conduct works on their land that protect and enhance Whittlesea’s remnant vegetation and support local wildlife.
Whittlesea landholder, Linda, has used grants to install nest boxes and add vegetation which provides shelter for wildlife.
“The grant has allowed me to add more and more trees and now, when I stand in the gully, I can’t see out because of vegetation,” she said.
“I’ve also managed to fence off a corner of my property adjoining the road, where there was remnant vegetation. I wanted it to grow into my land. It is a bit of a dry area so it needs more plants and the funding can provide those.
“There are more birds on the property due to the work I’ve done. I like wildlife and I like how it looks.”
Landowners can apply for a grant in consecutive years, provided that previous projects are completed prior to a new application being submitted.
Applications for the 2021 Environmental Works Grant Program will close on November 30.
To apply for a grant visit: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/grants.
