GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY TO PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES

Community groups across Queensland can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to highlight the importance of natural resources and the need to protect them.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace has urged community groups to apply for the 2008 Community Awareness Grants.

“These grants are offered to fund activities and projects which demonstrate the value of our precious natural resources and encourage more people to become involved in their protection,” Mr Wallace said.

“Grants of up to $5000 are available to community groups such as Landcare, Coastcare and Waterwatch, and up to $10,000 will be considered for projects where there is a genuine collaboration between two or more organisations.

“The aim of the grants program is to help groups to develop entertaining and educational projects which raise the community’s awareness of Queensland’s natural resources.”

Last year more than $95,000 was awarded for 21 projects across the state.

Examples of the work of successful applicants included:

·A two-day youth-focused workshop on biodiversity and natural resource management issues organised by the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group.

·The Mackay and District Education Centre focussed on raising awareness of natural resources among children with learning difficulties through books and photography.

·The Waggamba Landcare group organised a picnic day to raise awareness of environmental issues in its region. Activities included the Numinbah Environmental School’s sustainable trailer, guided information walks and a display by the protection group for the red-tailed glossy black cockatoo .

·Students from Nerang State Primary School working with the Nerang Catchment Group and others to create a walking track through the local park. The track included eight stops with interpretive signs highlighting plants, local fauna and indigenous natural resource use.

Mr Wallace said the theme for this year’s grants was Working together – protecting, repairing and restoring the environment.

Application forms and guidelines are available at www.nrw.qld.gov.au or by calling (07) 3238 3187. Applications close on 30 October 2007.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on (07) 3896 3694.