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The Corangamite CMA coordinates and administers the processes involved in attracting Commonwealth and State Government funding for the regions natural resource management.
National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality
National, State and Territory governments have committed $1.4 billion over seven years from 2001-02 to implement the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. The idea is for all levels of government to work together with local and regional communities to develop and apply solutions.
The goal of the National Action Plan is to motivate and enable regional communities to use coordinated and targeted action to:
- Prevent, stabilize and reverse trends of dryland salinity affecting sustainable production
- the conservation of biodiversity and the viability of our infrastructure
- improve water quality and secure reliable allocations for human use, industry and the environment.
National Action Plan in the Corangamite region
In 2004-05, the Corangamite region received $ 5.4 million from the National Action Plan. These funds have been allocated to 28 projects including the following projects:
- Integrated Salinity Intervention for Asset Protection Project
- Moorabool Gorge Recovery Program
- The Corangamite Waterwatch Program
Natural Heritage Trust
The $2.7 billion Heritage Trust was set up in 1997 to help restore and conserve Australia’s environment and natural resources.
In 2001 Federal budget, the Government announced an additional $1 billion for the Trust extending the funding for five more years and ensuring the future of many important ongoing activities. Of this additional $1 billion, the Government expects to spend at least $350 million on measures to improve Australia’s water quality.
The extended Trust compliments the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality by directly investing in projects to improve water quality through its four main programs- Rivercare, Coastcare, Landcare and Bushcare.
Funding from the Natural Heritage Trust is available at the community level through Envirofund grants up to $30,000, at the regional level through the Regional Catchment Investment Plans and at a National/State level.
The trust will deliver important resources, outcomes, including improved water quality, less erosion, improved estuarine health, improved vegetation management and improved soil condition.
Natural Heritage Trust in the Corangamite region
In the 2004-05 the Corangamite region received a total of $2.09 million to implant 21 projects including the following projects:
Second Generation Landcare Grants
This program provides State government funding for Landcare and community groups to implement projects that address the local issues. Grants are available to Landcare and community groups to undertake natural resource management projects.
The objectives of the Second Generation Landcare Grants program are to:
- Allow community groups to operate at their optimum level
- provide support to community groups to participate in integrated natural resource management projects
- recognize regional diversity
- provide a catalyst for changing land management practices
- promote and protect biodiversity values.
In 2004-05 the Corangamite region received a total of $200,000 to implement 9 projects including the following projects:
- Upper Barwon Rabbit Control, Furze control and PPA Project
- Weering Eurack Land Protection Group Integrated Rabbit Harbor Removal Program
- Protection and augmentation of existing scoria cone woodland- an Australia endangered EVC
A call for projects occurs annually. Projects up to $30,000 are funded. For further information, contact Sonia Mahony.
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