Funding is available to individuals and organisations across Gippsland to help with the recovery of wildlife and habitats following the devastating summer of bushfires in Gippsland.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said support was available for individuals and organisations working to protect our native species.
“As we deal with the challenges of the coronavirus here in Gippsland and across Australia, the importance of addressing the loss of millions of animals and important habitat in the fires remains an important focus,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester said the government would provide up to $12 million in grants to support the continued efforts of those on the frontline of bushfire recovery in Gippsland.
“Despite coronavirus precautions restricting some field work, significant work is taking place under the government’s $50 million Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Package,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important that we continue to fund activities to support the survival of fire affected animals, plants, ecological communities and other natural assets.”
Grants from $100,000 to $1 million are available to individuals and organisations for projects that can commence as soon as possible and finish on or before June 30, 2021.
The $12 million funding, part of the Federal Government’s initial $50 million bushfire recovery package, may be used for on-ground bushfire recovery activities including:
• protecting unburnt areas within or adjacent to recently burnt ground that provide refuge,
• feral predator and herbivore control to reduce the pressure on native species,
• emergency salvage of plant and animal species for ex-situ conservation or wild-to-wild translocation,
• rapid on-ground assessment for species and communities of concern, and
• supplementary shelter and food for animals, where it is still needed.
To ensure organisations are given enough time to apply, grants will be staged over two tranches, with the first opening on April 1 and closing on April 22. Tranche two is anticipated to open on April 23 and close on May 28.
For more information, visit www.grants.gov.au
