On National Agriculture Day (21 November), landholders and community groups in the Parkes electorate are being urged to throw their hat in the ring for Smart Farms Small Grants, with a second round of funding open now.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said eligible organisations should apply for the grants, which will fund improvements to natural resource management and on-farm productivity.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Landcare groups, natural resource management bodies, Indigenous organisations and community groups in the Parkes electorate to seek funding for the great work they are doing,” Mr Coulton said.
“Grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 are available, with applications open until 11 January 2019.”
Mr Coulton said innovative land-carers in the regions of Narrabri, Bourke, Cobar and White Cliffs benefited from more than $90,000 through the first round of Smart Farms Small Grants.
“Northern Slopes Landcare Association successfully received $48,720 to host the New England and North West Landcare Adventure and Regional Awards, a bi-annual event attended by 150 landholders to hear from expert land managers, and attend field trips.
“Western Landcare NSW received a grant of $41,635 to deliver three residential geomorphology courses with emphasis on the rangelands non-cropping areas of western New South Wales.
“These are strong projects with positive outcomes, showing the huge difference funding can make. I urge eligible organisations to apply for the second round.”
For more information about the Smart Farms Small Grants and how to apply, see www.communitygrants.gov.au.
Fast facts:
– The National Landcare Program phase two is an investment of more than $1 billion to 2023.
– Landcare was first launched in 1989 and has had bipartisan support for nearly 30 years.