The Andrews Labor Government has awarded more than $4.4 million worth of grants to Victorian youth and volunteer groups to further improve the state’s natural environment.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today announced the local recipients of the $3.98 million 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants which will help volunteers protect and restore our landscapes.

More than 240 projects across Victoria were allocated grants worth up to $20,000 to further safeguard the state’s biodiversity, while $500 grants will be given to 269 environmental volunteer groups to assist with administration and running costs, with 20 successful groups in Ripon.

Across the region, 13 local projects attracted funding, including the Avon Plains Banyena Landcare Group which has welcomed $19870 for their Richardson River restoration project, the Ullina Landcare Group which can get on with stage two of their Glengower Reserve Revegetation project, successful in receiving $17,137 in funding and the Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network has attracted $20,000 for their Our Network Looking Forward - Reinvigorate, Renew, Refresh project.

The Labor Government is also backing Victoria’s kindergartens, schools and other youth groups – distributing more than $470,000 through the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.

These grants will deliver hands-on projects and outdoor educational activities – giving thousands of children across the state the opportunity to learn more about our environment and biodiversity.

Successful groups in Ripon are:

• Tarnagulla Primary School’s Biodiversity Maze Project - $3159
• Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network – Junior Landcare Group’s Understanding our Environment Through Citizen Science project - $3700
• Beaufort Secondary College’s Wetlands Revival Project - $4950
• Little Bendigo Primary School’s Citizen Science Project - $4210

The funding of volunteer groups is underpinned by the Andrews Labor Government’s Biodiversity 2037 strategy, a record investment of $582 million since 2014 – the biggest investment into protecting biodiversity and environment in our state’s history.

A full list of this year’s Landcare and Biodiversity Grant recipients can be found at environment.vic.gov.au/grants. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Landcare originated in our region, and we have so many incredible volunteer groups who work tirelessly to care for our land and waterways."

"This funding recognises their efforts and supports our local Landcare groups into the future." 

“Encouraging children to get involved in environmental projects like these can lead to a lifelong appreciation of nature and their local community.”