$1 million boost for metropolitan environmental projects
MEDIA RELEASE
Forty-seven community organisations, schools and volunteer groups across the Adelaide metropolitan area have shared in $1 million of funding from the Green Adelaide Grassroots Grants program.
Funding for the grants comes from the Green Adelaide Board and will support wide ranging efforts by individuals and groups to maintain and improve their local environments.
The funding is part of a $2 million state-wide program funded by the state’s regional landscape boards to help communities be more directly responsible for managing natural resources in their regions.
Star of the Sea School at Henley Beach are one of the grant recipients who have received nearly $100,000 to upgrade their Marine Discovery Centre to improve educational outcomes for students and to allow it to open up to the public for the first time.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said there was significant interest in the program, receiving more than 100 applications.
“Government at all levels has an important role in maintaining and improving the environment but it’s often the work of thousands of volunteers, community organisations, schools and other groups that results in real difference on the ground in local communities,” Minister Speirs said.
“Our Grassroots Grants program is funding a range of projects, including the Star of the Sea School which will help improve marine environment knowledge for both students and the public.
“Other projects include dune restoration work at Holdfast Bay and along Adelaide’s northern coastline, urban greening at suburban Ottoway and support for a community Landcare nursery at Campbelltown.
“The Marshall Liberal Government’s Landscape SA legislation is an historic reform of how we approach natural resources management in South Australia.
“It’s all about a back-to-basics approach and giving local communities a greater say in how we manage our natural environment.
Green Adelaide Board presiding member Professor Chris Daniels said the Green Adelaide region covers 17 metropolitan council areas and these Grassroots Grants will have longstanding environmental benefits.
“The quality of applications was high and I’m pleased to say that the successful projects promise to make real contributions to addressing the needs of the local environment and increasing the community’s understanding of the importance of a sustainable and greener environment,” said Professor Daniels.
“Most importantly, the Grassroots Grants recognise the importance of local action at the grassroots level.”
The funding is for not-for-profit projects valued up to $150,000, depending on the scale and length
of the work. The annual grants are available in three categories: up to $10,000; $10,000 to $50,000;
and $50,000 to $150,000.
