The Australian Government has announced more successful grant recipients under the $20 million Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program, which is helping Basin communities to get out on the ground and restore their rivers and wetlands.

Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt said the program was benefitting rivers, wetlands and communities throughout Mallee and the wider Basin.
“These grants provide a significant boost to the Mallee economy, providing almost $580,000 in funding and supporting local businesses and jobs in the process. This funding also builds on $116,000 in grants Mallee communities received in the previous round of the Healthy Rivers Program,” Minister Pitt said.
“With over 2.6 million Australians calling the Basin home, community-led grants like these empower our local communities to practical actions that protect their own stretch of river and help to improve lives and livelihoods now and into the future.”
Local Nationals member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, said the grants would benefit a number of communities across Mallee.
“It’s fantastic to see the Australian Government supporting Mallee by funding eight new Healthy Rivers grants for community-led projects to improve the health of our waterways,” Dr Webster said.
“Working with catchment managers, a landholder will work to restore a wetland near Wallpolla Island, building infrastructure needed to deliver environmental water to the wetland, and undertake weed control and revegetation.
“We’re seeing also strong community collaboration for a project on the Loddon River, where local farmers , catchment managers, and Boort schoolkids will get involved to plant 12,000 acquatic plants. This will allow them to release 200 critically endangered Silver Perch fingerlings and support other threatened fish species, such as the Murray Cod.”
“The Nationals in Government are ensuring that vital funding such as the Healthy Rivers Program is hitting the regions where it matters most. In Mallee, I have advocated in government for these grants for our region and am delighted to see them delivered locally.
Minister Pitt said today’s announcement was about putting communities back at the heart of the Basin Plan, with the Healthy Rivers Program forming a key part of the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package.
“My announcement of 72 projects in the latest rounds of the program total $11.5 million for communities ranging from Charleville to Murray Bridge to date, with more grants to come,” Minister Pitt said.
“Importantly, these projects will contribute to regional and rural economies across the Basin through supporting local jobs and purchasing of goods and supplies from local businesses, providing critical economic support in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, drought and bushfires.”
For more information on the successful projects, visit the department’s website.
Fast Facts
• 72 Healthy Rivers grants are being funded under the second small grants and large grant round of the Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program, including at Gunbower Creek, Birchip and the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
• Across Mallee, these projects will undertake over 800 hectares of weed control and 900 hectares of pest species management, plant 16,000 seedlings and involve over 400 volunteers.
• $695,000, in total announced funding in Mallee across all rounds of the program.
Details of projects in Mallee
Recipient
Project location
Short project description
Funding amount (GST exclusive)
G.J Bear & J.L Bear
Canary Island
Building strong collaboration with Barapa barapa, NCCMA, local communities, schools and ecologists to create flourishing waterways and riparian ecosystems for our indigenous fauna, flora and freshwater fish (southern pygmy perch)
$72,276.00
F.A Murdoch & P.J Murdoch
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Revegetation and drought refuges on Raakajlim, adjoining Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, north-west Victoria.
$14,250.00
OzFish Unlimited Limited
Wallpolla Creek
Bringing back native fish to Wallpolla creek through angler engagement and environmental restoration
$89,500.00
North Central Catchment Management Authority
Avoca region
Saving Chain of Ponds – Protecting critical drought refuges for aquatic biota in the Avoca catchment
$99,500.00
OzFish Unlimited Limited
Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands
Reinstating vital rocky and woody habitats within off-channel Ramsar listed waterways
$100,000.00
North Central Catchment
Gunbower Creek
Screening of irrigation system pumps in Gunbower Creek to prevent fish losses from natural systems
$98,500.00
Note: Project locations are based on applicant provided mapping of activities funded under the program, which may be different to the location of the applicant. Projects may have activities in more than one electorate. Payments to applicants are subject to signing of a funding agreement.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Dr Anne Webster MP: Grace Walker – 0427 310 770
Recipient
Project location
Short project description
Funding amount (GST exclusive)
Management Authority
D.A. Schilling
Wargan
Wetland Watering and Land Rehabilitation Project for Boy Creek
$90,000.00
Birchip Landcare Group
Birchip and surrounds
Enhancement of four Existing Environmental Water Sites within the GWM Water Wimmera-Mallee pipeline scheme.
$14,300.00
Total
$578,326.00

Tradies and licensed professionals will find it easier than ever to work in South Australia and Victoria.

The Federal Government, with the South Australian and Victorian governments, removed the need for licensed workers to apply and pay for an additional licence to work in South Australia or Victoria.

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton said this is part of the Government’s Automatic Mutual Recognition Scheme (the Scheme) which is cutting red tape for businesses and licensed workers including tradies, real estate agents and architects.

“We’re saving individuals and businesses time, money and paperwork, so workers can work where the work is,” Minister Morton said.

“By removing the need for tradies to get another licence when they move state, we’re making it easier and cheaper for them to make that move.

“As business and consumer demands change, the Scheme also makes it easier and quicker for businesses to hire and mobilise employees.”

South Australia and Victoria are the first states to remove temporary occupational exemptions from 1 February 2022 on certain trade licences made under the Scheme.

The Scheme is currently in place in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, with Western Australia working to join from 1 July 2022.

The Scheme is anticipated to add over $2.4 billion to the Australian economy over the next 10 years, and benefit more than 168,000 people each year.

Further information is available at www.deregulation.pmc.gov.au.

A bigger and better Woodend Community Centre is one step closer thanks to the State Government providing funding to fast-track detailed design works.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Woodend and announced $260,000 from the Investment Fast Track Fund will be put towards the design stage of the planned redevelopment.
The redevelopment was a key recommendation from the Woodend Community Centre Master Plan, completed in 2021 thanks to a grant through the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.
The local community has been engaged with through the development of the master plan and will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the design process.
A new library, performance space, foyer and gallery, café, visitor information hub, and an outdoor events space are all part of the plans to update the community centre to meet the needs of the growing community.
The new spaces will be designed to take advantage of natural light and create a more vibrant and welcoming place to visit.
The redevelopment will support up to 25 full-time construction jobs and ongoing roles including seven customer service positions and 14 library staff.
The Investment Fast Track Fund is taking projects from the ideas phase to be investment and development-ready, with grants of up to $500,000 available to local councils, community organisations and the private sector for planning, design and business case works.
The Fund is part of the Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria and supports councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.
It is central to Government’s $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. Information on the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“I look forward to seeing the design process get underway with the revamped centre set to improve social and employment prospects in Woodend.”
“We’re fast-tracking the design of the Woodend Community Centre because we know how important this project is to the local community.”
“We’re meeting the needs of Victoria’s growing communities, creating jobs and boosting regional economies.”

The State Government is providing a boost for regional builders during the pandemic through public housing works that have created thousands of local jobs right across the state.

Almost $500 million has been invested to upgrade and maintain more than 23,000 social housing units across Victoria and build 168 new social housing dwellings.
The government funding has meant businesses such as Kepal Building Services, a Bendigo construction company, could continue to employ local staff. This business has been able to employ 34 staff and keep 300 contractors on the books.
The maintenance funding, which has created more than 2,900 jobs across Victoria, includes work such as painting, roofing, fencing, and smaller renovations of kitchens and bathrooms in public housing to improve liveability.
A further $30 million has been invested to upgrade and maintain up to 450 Specialist Disability Accommodation facilities across Victoria.
This funding, combined with the Victorian Government’s landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, has helped keep the building and construction sector humming during the pandemic.
The Big Housing Build – the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history – is delivering more than 12,000 new homes across Victoria, while creating 10,000 jobs per year over the four years of the program.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said:
“A quarter of the Big Housing Build spend – that’s $1.25 billion – will be invested in regional areas, ensuring the economic and social benefits of the program are felt in communities right across the state.”
“Government funding like this not only boosts the construction sector, but also helps our state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said: “Builders have been able to carry out external work such as painting, gardening and fencing, which has kept business and industry going, while at the same time ensuring our communities have been kept safe.”
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said:
“Our Big Housing Build guarantees that a minimum of $85 million will be spent in the Bendigo area – that’s great for economic stimulus and for ensuring locals share in this important investment.”

Creswick students now have the facilities they need for a great start in life with the Andrews Labor Government completing an upgrade at Creswick North Primary School.

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, today announced works are now complete on Creswick North Primary School’s $44,120 upgrade to the outdoor space.

In the past seven years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to help meet increasing demand, this fund is about delivering the small projects that make a big difference while also supporting local jobs.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invests $20 million in the Minor Capital Works Fundtoimprove learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools.

More than 300 Victorian government schools have been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools.

Minister for Education James Merlino said:

“Victoria’s school building boom is all about making sure our kids have the classrooms – and the bright futures – they deserve.”

Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford said:

“We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed.”

“Local families can now enjoy great new facilities at Creswick North Primary School.”

The State Government has attracted production of another highly anticipated international feature film, showcasing the state’s exceptional facilities and destinations while bringing jobs to Victoria’s creative industry.

Amazon Studios’ epic production Foe has recently begun filming in the state, with locations to include Winton Wetlands in north east Victoria and Docklands Studios Melbourne. The star-studded cast includes Saoirse Ronan (Little Women, Brooklyn), Paul Mescal (Normal People) and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad). Attracted to the state through the Victorian Screen Incentive and the Regional Location Assistance Fund, Foe will inject up to $32 million into the Victorian economy and create 950 jobs for Victorian cast and crew – including four leading Head of Department roles.
The sci-fi psychological thriller will be directed by Victorian filmmaker Garth Davis, best known for his Academy Award nominated film Lion. It is based on the novel of the same name written by Ian Reid, who is a co-writer of the adaptation alongside Davis.
Producers on the project include Kerry Kohansky-Roberts on behalf of AC Studios, Garth Davis for I Am That, and Emile Sherman and Iain Canning for See-Saw Films. Executive producers include Ian Reid, and I Am That’s Samantha Lang. Libby Sharpe will co-produce for I Am That and See-Saw Films. Foe will engage over 500 local businesses from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including construction companies and caterers.
Through Film Victoria’s skills development program, the Labor Government is supporting placements for three local practitioners to hone their specialist skills while working on the production – director Michael Hudson, costume buyer Ellen Stainstreet and set decorator Tom Herbert.
Foe follows other epic productions like Better Man starring Robbie Williams and Blacklight starring Liam Neeson, choosing to film in Victoria. It is supported as part of Victorian Government’s $191.5 million VICSCREEN strategy.
Activity in the Victorian film industry is at record levels, with more than $391 million channeled into production expenditure in 2020/21. Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson “The production of Foe is another way the Victorian film industry is being showcased to the world, bringing our exceptional industry professionals together with some of the best international talent.” “We’re attracting major international productions and expanding our screen production capabilities to grow our economy, create local jobs and further assert Victoria’s position as a global screen powerhouse.”

Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Officers are undertaking property inspections in the Avon Plains area to support the Avon Plains-Banyena Landcare Group and broader community with rabbit management.

Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Officer Josh Howard said the economic and environmental impact of rabbits in the south-west region has been a problem for many years.
“The impact of rabbits in the Avon Plains area, particularly around the Avon Plains Lakes, is of particular concern,” he said.
The Avon Plains-Banyena Landcare Group recently received funding from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network to implement a Rabbit Buster Program involving two community workshops, a survey of the area and a rabbit action plan.
“Agriculture Victoria staff presented information at a workshop in 2021 to discuss best practice rabbit management with interested community members.
“The project will include 66 properties and 24 roadsides in the Avon Plains area surrounding Lake Batyo Catyo, Walkers Lake, Hollands Lake and Hancocks Lake.
“All public and private land within the designated project area will be inspected for the presence of rabbits.” Mr Howard said the best rabbit control results are achieved when landowners work together and implement management simultaneously.
“During the inspections, we will discuss the project with landholders, provide information to assist with rabbit control specific to each property and comprehensively map areas of rabbit activity,” he said. “Best practice rabbit management involves control techniques such as baiting and ripping and they become more effective this time year because the rabbits are more likely to eat bait and soil is more friable and better for ripping.
“Under Section 20 of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) landowners have a responsibility to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals.
“This ensures pest animals don’t adversely affect agricultural production on neighbouring farms or impact on the natural environment.
For further information regarding rabbit biology and control techniques visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au or call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

The Federal Government is supporting culturally and linguistically diverse Australians in the Geelong area to adapt to parenting in Australia and give their children the best start in life.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today announced that City of Greater Geelong would receive almost $180,000 over five years for their Parenting in a New Culture program which has supported 25 parents in the past year to strengthen their family unit and connect with their local community.

The Parenting in a New Culture program organised parenting groups, providing a safe space for parents to ask questions, improve their parenting skills and meet other parents in the Geelong region who may be going through similar challenges,” Minister Ruston said.

 “We know that parenting can be difficult and there are added challenges when you have to adapt to living in a new area which is why we are committed to offering support to prevent breakdowns and ensure children feel secure in their own homes and communities.

“The program introduces parents to a range of life skills like how to use banking services, navigate the Centrelink and education system and how to access services like the Victorian police and Ambulance.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said we know that a one size fits all approach does not work for everyone and the City of Greater Geelong use local knowledge to better respond to the needs of individuals and the needs of the wider community.

“The counselling and education programs have been designed to tackle the unique and complex challenges that Australian families face and help minimise the chances of family breakdown,” Senator Henderson said.

“The City of Geelong has a wealth of experience supporting parents’ and children’s’ wellbeing and development and extensive local knowledge of the Corangamite community.

“The Federal Government will continue to deliver funding to community services to provide early intervention for at risk families to ensure they can achieve all of their aspirations.”

Liberal Candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher welcomed the program.

“It’s such a fantastic program which provides real practical help to connect families in our beautiful community,” Stephanie Asher said.

City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the program was making a meaningful impact in families’ lives.

“Greater Geelong is proudly a multicultural region and we want everyone in our community to feel welcome and to know how to access the services available,” Cr Sullivan said.

“This program has been so important in supporting parents from diverse cultural backgrounds and we are appreciative of the Government’s funding to help it continue.”

This funding forms part of the Morrison Government’s annual commitment of more than $290 million to a range of services delivering crucial early intervention support to families and children in need across Australia.

Visit the DSS website for more information about family and children programs funded through the Families and Children Activity.

The State Government is supporting sports shooting clubs to nurture local talents and attract big events.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are now open for the latest $4 million round of the Shooting Sports Facilities Program.
Eligible sports shooting clubs and associations can apply for grants of up to $300,000 for various works including improving safety at ranges, developing secure storage, purchasing equipment, environmental protection works and upgrades to boost participation.
Previous recipients include Oakleigh Pistol Club which received $300,000 to increase safety at their ranges, SSAA Big Game Rifle Club which received $165,000 to install a safety wall and Yackandandah Pistol Club secured more than $43,000 to install bullet traps to reduce the environmental impact at the site.
Since 2014, more than 260 projects have received funding from the Shooting Sports Facilities Program, with this latest round of funding bringing the total to $21.48 million.
From Olympic gold medallists Russell Mark and Catherine Skinner to Commonwealth Gold trap shooter Laetisha Scanlan, sports shooting clubs in Victoria have a strong history of supporting local talents to make it on the world stage.
For more information about the program visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said: “Sports shooting clubs allow people to safely get into the sport and make new friends along the way.” “We’re backing local sports shooting clubs to upgrade their facilities to help boost participation and provide pathways from the grassroots level to elite competition.” Oakleigh Pistol Club Vice President Derek Marchetti said: “This funding enabled our club to extend our lease by 21 years, providing security of tenure.” “Thanks to the Government we can now build a bigger and better sporting facility to benefit club members and the community into the future.”

The State Government is providing new grants to local councils that will speed up the delivery of residential land − driving urban growth, jobs and development.

The Streamlining for Growth program is allocating more than $3.2 million to local councils facing population growth pressures or land shortages. This year, the program was focused on projects that will support Victoria’s economic recovery and address land supply shortages in regional Victoria and Melbourne’s growth areas.
Councils in regional Victoria will receive $2.18 million from this round of funding with 17 rural and regional councils receiving grants.
Colac Otway Shire will receive support to prepare a development plan for Deans Creek that will help meet Colac’s population growth target. The plan will facilitate rezoning to create new residential zoned land and subdivisions.
The program will also support Golden Plains Shire Council to provide a clear direction for growth in the municipality for the next 15 years. The project will unlock 7,000 housing lots for a projected new community of 21,000 people in this region, that lies between the two rapidly growing regional cities of Geelong and Ballarat.
Mansfield Shire Council will also receive funding to implement the Mansfield Commercial and Industrial Land Use Strategy. This will unlock employment investment and address an industrial land shortage in this key region whose local economy is still recovering from the 2019-20 bushfires.
The Labor Government has confirmed funding for a seventh year of Streamlining for Growth in 2022-23. Applications for the next round of grants will open later in 2022.
For a full list of grant recipients visit: vpa.vic.gov.au/streamlining-for-growth-program
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said:
“We know regional Victoria is facing land supply and affordability pressures, which is why two thirds of this year’s funding was focused on the regions.”
“The funding will help local councils with staffing or financial support to unblocking or fast-track strategic planning projects to deliver new homes and jobs faster.”
“This program has a track record of delivering faster and more cost-effective permit-ready land for new homes and jobs across Victoria.”

Families in the south of Gisborne now have more options for a great education close to home thanks to the State Government, with the brand-new Willowbank Primary School’s doors now open to students.

Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the McGeorge Road site to officially open the primary school, part of the Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026.
The new primary school is one of 14 new schools to open their doors in 2022, and will provide 475 primary school places for students from Prep to Grade 6 in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions.
The school will be led by Principal Rynn Anderson, who brings a wealth of education experience to the role – most recently as principal of Tarneit P-9 College, another key growth area.
Willowbank Primary School features an administration building with a library, along with art, food and science learning spaces. There is also a dedicated performing arts and physical education building, two learning neighbourhoods, two outdoor hardcourts, a sports field, bike shed and playgrounds.
As part of the Labor Government’s promise to build a kindergarten on or next to every new Victorian primary school, Rothschild Road Kindergarten is co-located on the school site –helping families ditch the dreaded double drop-off each day as well as making the transition from kinder to school easier for children.
In the past seven years, the Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades – creating around 13,500 local jobs in construction and associated industries when Victoria needs it most.
To protect students, staff and school communities and reduce learning disruption, the Labor Government has delivered a full suite of COVIDSafe measures to keep schools safe and keep classrooms open.
Minister for Education James Merlino said: “When it comes to education, it’s only a Labor Government that will deliver quality schools in every corner of our state – and I’m so proud to see Willowbank Primary School open its doors for the new school year.” Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas “Gisborne is growing – and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see families have another great local school option close to home. I can’t wait to be a regular visitor to see all the school’s successes.”

The Federal Government is increasing support for construction businesses to use low‑carbon timber and deliver jobs in our forest industries.

The Government, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), is investing $300 million in the Timber Building Program.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Program will finance the use of low-carbon engineered wood materials in apartments and office buildings to reduce construction emissions.

“Increased use of low-carbon construction materials like wood products will help achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050,” Minister Taylor said.

“The production and delivery of building materials account for 28 per cent of emissions in the construction industry globally.

“Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan sets out the approach the Government is taking to help industries reduce their emissions, through research and enabling technologies.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said this was another example of the Morrison Government backing in our forest industries and supporting jobs.

“Forest industries make an enormous contribution to rural and regional communities across Australia and employ over 65,000 people,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“Our National Forest Industries Plan is reducing barriers to investment in our plantation estate, improving Australia’s value-adding capability and delivering opportunities for better returns on investment for our foresters.

“Through these investments, the Morrison Government is backing in and securing the future of our forest industries and the jobs they deliver in rural areas.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Hendersonsaid the new investment would support jobs across regional Victorian and lead to lower emissions from the construction industry.

“This investment will help our industries to make more innovative forest and wood products right here in Australia and create more jobs,” Senator Henderson said.

“The Program will also help to develop local skills and experience that will lead to more low‑carbon timber-based building activity in the future.”

The Timber Building Program will finance eligible projects Australia wide on a case‑by‑case basis, which includes construction projects in office, retail, industrial, healthcare, education, residential, seniors living, hotels, and student accommodation.
More information about the CEFC’s Timber Building Program, including the application requirements for interested builders, is available on the CEFC website.

Grants of between $100,000 and $20 million are now open for innovators for projects to lower the cost of measuring carbon stored in soil.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the grant guidelines have been released and applications are open with up to $40 million in funding available under the National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge.

The Challenge will deliver on the Technology Investment Roadmap’s goal to lower the cost of accurate soil carbon measurement by 90 per cent, to less than $3 per hectare per year.

Development and Demonstration Round 1 provides grants of up to $20 million for projects to develop, test and validate low-cost and accurate ways to measure carbon stored in soil.

Minister Taylor said bringing down the cost of measuring soil carbon would lead to an increase in soil sequestration in Australia and help lower Australia’s carbon emissions.

“Getting the cost of measurement down will make it easier for farmers, suppliers and researchers to understand the impact that different management practices have.

“This is the first step in making it easier for farmers to demonstrate how they are reducing Australia’s emissions and be rewarded for their efforts.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the new grants were a great opportunity for innovators in the region to help develop measurement solutions for soil carbon, with support from the Morrison Government.

“A key to unlocking the untapped potential of storing carbon in our soils is to bring down the cost of soil carbon measurement,” Senator Henderson said.

“Through these grants and the National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge, the government will be working hand-in-hand with innovators and farmers to increase soil health, productivity and resilience and to create jobs and opportunities in regional Australia.”

Under the new grants, eligible activities will involve proof of concept testing and the validation and deployment of technologies. Applicants will need to contribute at least 20% of eligible expenditure and submit a feasibility study of their technology.

Potential opportunities to reduce measurement costs may include reducing the frequency of physical sampling by advancing laboratory and in-field sensing techniques, increasing confidence in remote sensing estimation, and modelling of soil carbon.

Applications are open for four weeks, with a further round to be released in mid-2022.

Applications for the Feasibility Study grants under the National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge closed in December 2021 with successful applicants to be announced soon.

More information is available at the Department’s grant hub website: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/national-soil-carbon-innovation-challenge-development-and-demonstration

The State Government is extending its $250 Power Saving Bonus payment by five months until 30 June this year to support more vulnerable households doing it tough with energy bills.

More than 350,000 Victorians have already accessed the one-off $250 payment − part of a $797 million household energy affordability package announced in November 2020.
Households receiving payments through the Pensioner Concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance programs, or those who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, are eligible for the payment.
The payment is delivered through the Victorian Energy Compare website, which receives more than one million visitors each year and helps consumers find the best energy deal available. Data shows seven out of every 10 users can save money by switching energy offers, with a typical annual saving of $330.
The $250 Power Saving Bonus payment is transferred electronically into bank accounts or provided via cheque on request, with cheques typically taking about two weeks to arrive.
To help people who may not have access to a computer or who need assistance with their application, the Government is providing support through the Power Saving Bonus Community Outreach Program.
Program partners include the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, Good Shepherd and Neighbourhood House, Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Consumer Action Law Centre and State Trustees Limited.
People can apply for the one-off $250 Power Saving Bonus at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 000 832.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said:
“We are proud to continue supporting vulnerable households with the $250 Power Saving Bonus payment program until 30 June.”
“In its first year this one-off payment has provided much-needed assistance, delivering $87.5 million to more than 350,000 households, but there are still many Victorians on support payments who have not yet applied for what could be crucial help with their energy bills.”
“I encourage all eligible Victorians to apply either online or by calling the Victorian Energy Compare helpline.”

Wetlands from around the world were in the spotlight for World Wetlands Day this week, highlighting the importance of this unique natural environment to the local community.

Nearly 90 per cent of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and wetlands are being lost three times faster than forests.

Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies, and more.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority manages water for the environment to internationally recognised wetlands near Kerang and on the Gunbower floodplain, as well as key wetlands in the Wimmera.

“There’s no better way to celebrate World Wetlands Day in our region than by highlighting the difference water for the environment makes to their health, and the health of our communities,” North Central CMA Project Delivery Executive Manager Rachel Murphy said.

“The ecological benefits of water for the environment in northern Victoria are clear. Water for the environment is doing its job and doing its job well.

“We have seen important waterbird breeding events in wetlands across the region this year, and our wetlands are really enjoying the drink.”

But Ms Murphy said the environmental benefits are only part of the story.

“Water for the environment is helping our communities get out into the floodplain and experience it in a different way. The environmental health of northern Victoria is inseparable from the wellbeing and cultural health of local communities and economies,” she said.

“Wetlands in our region continue to contribute to the region’s economy and are a key attraction for tourists and local tourism campaigns.”

Murray River Adventures is one company that takes locals and visitors on kayak tours of the region’s wetlands.

Managing Director Shannon O’Brien said the Gunbower floodplains and wetlands are “true wilderness”.

“And very few people get to experience true wilderness,” he said.

“The Gunbower Forest in flood is one of those extraordinary places where you are really one with nature.

“If you can introduce people sustainably to these amazing areas, you will be gaining absolute nature-warriors that will help in promoting and defending these precious and important areas.

“Gunbower Forest has the ability to be a massive drawcard for travellers, hiking, bike riding, and paddling, which are all an eco-friendly way to host people through this sensitive wilderness.”

Ms Murphy said careful management of these wetlands with the Traditional Owners, local community, and other government agencies is the key to preserving them for future generations.

“We all love our wetlands and want them to be around for a long time to come,” she said.

“It’s important we all work to restore degraded wetlands and revive he rich biodiversity and life found in these life-sustaining ecosystems.

“We’re at the start or the United Nations Decade on Restoration, and by 2030 the aim is to reverse the decline of natural wetlands around the world.”

Water for environment flows are authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2021-22. The Plan is available for download from www.vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au