Conservation funds available for SW groups

Capes environment groups are to benefit from a new round of Federal funding for conversation works.

The South West Catchments Council recently launched round three of its Community Groundworks Grants initiative, making funds of $5000-$25,000 available for environmental conservation, landcare and community activities throughout the South West.

SWCC community engagement program manager Nerilee Boshammer said the criteria for applicants was formed by the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme, which worked favourably for local organisations.

“A lot of Federal Government priorities line up well with local priorities,” she said.

“You’ve got the western ringtail possum, you’ve got the quenda, and you’ve got the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands.

“Carnaby’s black cockatoo and other threatened bird species frequent the parks around the Capes, too.

“But we’re funding all sorts of things, as long as they’ve got an on-ground and community engagement focus and as long as they meet the program’s criteria.”

One of the projects funded through round two was GeoCatch’s three-part project in partnership with the City of Busselton to enhance habitats for the western ringtail possum.

GeoCatch natural resource management officer Jennelle Schult said Federal funding allowed for weed control, revegetation and fencing at Longlands, Leseur Reserve and Falkingham Drive.

Margaret River Montessori School received funding in round one for the restoration of wetlands on the school grounds.

The project is being delivered in conjunction with the Cape-to-Cape Catchments Group and is scheduled for completion by December.

SWCC chief executive Damien Postma said 26 projects had been funded in previous rounds and he hoped round three would uncover some “winning projects”.

TheTimes has reported local environmental groups are struggling without large-scale funding investment in strategic planning and major projects.

Applications for funding close at 10am on June 20.