September 5th, 2024Enviro, climate and Aus Day grants open

Two returning Macedon Ranges Shire Council grant programs – and a new climate action-focused grant program – have opened with eligible community groups invited to apply throughout September.

The Environment Group Support Grants empower local environment groups through capacity building, weed control and biolink enhancement, all of which benefit the community and natural environment of the shire.

There are three categories under the program: Landcare, Friends Groups and Network Support Funding; Strategic Weed Partnership Program; and Biolink Boost Grants.

New to the grant offerings this year are the Community Climate Action Grants, designed to support groups in developing, implementing and evaluating projects that reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and build climate resilience.

Local groups eligible for the grant include community and environment groups, not-for-profit organisations and schools.

The council has again collaborated with community partners Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Limited and Community Bank Gisborne and District to match funding, with an additional $20,000 provided to boost the funding available to $40,000 each for both the Biolink Boost and Community Climate Action grants.

Mayor Annette Death thanked the community partners for their contributions and encouraged local groups to check their eligibility and submit their projects or ideas for consideration.

“These grants support and recognise the significant contributions our local groups make and assist them to continue delivering projects that benefit the community as a whole,” she said.

The council will also launch its Australia Day Grants Program, following endorsement of updated guidelines at the August 2024 Council Meeting, to support events and acknowledgement ceremonies that mark 26 January in a way that is respectful of all community members.

Grants of up to $1,000 are available for community activities held any day within one week either side of 26 January (including on 26 January), to mark Australia Day with more traditional events or other activities that are respectful of First Nations Peoples.

“Australia Day can mean different things to different people and it’s important that we as a community respect that,” said Cr Death.

“Last year, we provided funding to a range of local groups to host activities on or around Australia Day that reflected their relevant views peacefully and respectfully, and brought the community together. We look forward to providing this support to the community again in 2025.”

Those keen to find out more about the grants and apply can visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grant online.