Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum encouraged community groups, farmers and landholders across the electorate to apply for the grants.
He said Nicholls had already benefited from two grants awarded under the first round of the program.
“In Yalca, indigenous plants will form ‘wildlife corridors’ that will protect a range of native species; while at Cockatoo Lagoon in Gunbower, floating islands will provide new safe turtle nesting sites,” Mr Drum said.
“Healthy Rivers grants not only support the environment, but also jobs and local businesses, and we have increased the number of eligible entities, so check the guidelines.”
Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt said round one of the program saw 74 grants awarded to communities.
“This round will have a large grants stream of between $100,000 and $2 million, in addition to a small grants stream of between $5000 and $100,000,” Mr Pitt said.
“These grants could fund a wide variety of projects from planting native seedlings along riverbanks to reduce erosion and provide habitat for native birds and animals, to controlling invasive species which threaten native species and farmers’ crops.
“Large grants could be used for projects that have catchment-scale benefits, or higher value localised projects, such as installing fish ladders and culverts to allow native fish to travel throughout the entire river.
“We have made some changes to the guidelines in response to feedback from round one. These include making more entities eligible and increasing the maximum funding amount for small grants to $100,000, as well as minimising red tape.”
Applications for both grants streams close on October 6.
To learn more about eligible activities or to apply, visit https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/
