The Hepburn Shire Community Biodiversity Grants Program is now open for applications.

Community groups, including environmental groups, schools and other incorporated or auspiced groups, are encouraged to apply. 

Projects for amounts up to $5,000 will be considered.

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate how their project link to the objectives in the Hepburn Shire’s Biodiversity Strategy.  Projects need to demonstrate sound ecological basis and value for money.  

Eligible projects might include:

• on-ground works such as planting weed control, pest animal control on public land or private land in Hepburn          
• publications, electronic media or events aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity issues and promoting action
• activities such as training and networking activities that increase capacity and sustainability of volunteer groups

Applications close 1st June 2020.  Recommendations to Council will be made at the June Ordinary Council Meeting in June.

For more information, please contact Brian Bainbridge, Hepburn Shire Council’s Biodiversity Officer via email at bbainbridge@hepburn.vic.gov.au or via phone on 03 5321 6488.

Prospective applicants must contact the Biodiversity Officer prior to submitting an application.

In addition to email and phone, the Biodiversity Officer is available for (socially distanced) site meetings or Zoom to discuss your project applications Monday to Thursday.  

The application form, including Guidelines is available here;  https://hepburn.smartygrants.com.au/biodiversitygrant2020

The projects funded under the first round of these grants last year are described below:

Blampied-Kooroocheang Landcare Group Inc. was awarded $4860 for the project New Community Spray Cart 2019.’ The grant will co-fund purchase of a spray cart to be used in environmental weed control by Landcare members on private property and roadsides. 

Friends of Cornish Hill Inc. was awarded $3689 for the project ‘Understanding the natural world’. The grant will co-fund a program of on-ground planting and educational programs with community and schools.

Friends of Creswick’s Park Lake Botanical Reserve was awarded $900 for the project  ‘Completion of planting of Victorian Section, Tolhurst Plan’.  The grant will  purchase local Blackwood trees to for landscaping of the Creswick Park Lake Botanical reserve.

Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare group was awarded $4860 for the project Enhancing the Glenlyon Biolink’. The grant will co-fund on-ground planting and weed control works and a consultant’s restoration plan for the Glenlyon biolink on the Loddon River.

Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group was awarded $4831 for the project  ‘Slaty Creek Wildlife Corridor’. The grant will co-fund preparation and planting of a wildlife corridor in Slaty Creek.

Wombat Forestcare Inc. was awarded $4860 for the project  ‘Grow Wild: Gardening to sustain Wildlife in the Hepburn Shire’.  The grant will co-fund publication of a guide to using local plants in garden or property to attract wildlife.