The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days provided the perfect backdrop for the Central Tablelands Local Land Services (LSS) to launch their natural resource management funding opportunities for 2015-2016.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, was privileged to officially launch the Central Tablelands LLS 2015 Funding and Grants Program in Mudgee today.
“The 2015 Funding and Grants Program will provide much needed assistance to the local area to help build productive, profitable and robust communities right across the central tablelands,” Mr Coulton said.
Funding under the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme (NLP) will make up 75% of the $1.3 million that will be invested across the central tablelands over the next 12 months. The investment will support sustainable land management practices to deliver long-term benefits to local communities, the environment and local economies.
“The NLP instils a grass-roots focus that will help support local communities develop the most effective ways to manage and protect their natural assets to achieve long-term benefits, not just locally, but for our nation as a whole,” Mr Coulton said.
“People in the central tablelands now have the opportunity to be a part of one of the Federal Government’s major environmental initiatives and help our community deliver important local conservation and sustainable agriculture outcomes.”
Director of the Central Tablelands LLS, Reg Kidd and General Manager, Peter Sparkes, expressed their appreciation for the Federal Government’s funding at the launch.
“The $1.3 million investment in the 2015 Funding and Grants Program has really been made possible by the large contribution from the Federal Government under the NLP,” Mr Kidd said.
“The Central Tablelands LLS is committed to the health and productivity of the region and we are looking forward to working closely with landholders, local government and Landcare groups over the next 12 months.”
Expressions of interest for the 2015 Funding and Grants Program open today and close on 2 October 2015.
Further information about the 2015 Funding and Grants Program can be found at http://centraltablelands.lls.nsw.gov.au/.