Green cash overflows

By Bridget Cook
A NUMBER of environment groups in Casey have received grants to help them their work to protect and improve the health of local rivers and creeks.
Four not-for-profit groups in Casey will take a share of $232,000 allocated to groups in south-east municipalities as part of Melbourne Water’s Community Grants Program.
The program funds to volunteer groups to help protect waterways through projects including revegetation, weed control and improving habitat for native animals. It also funds groups to cover administrative and promotional costs.
Two types of projects were supported by the program – project grants, up to $22,000 for on-ground projects that address natural resource management issues, and support grants, up to $1100 for general administrative assistance, to increase participation, raise public awareness, undertake training and educate the community about natural resource management programs. Hampton Park Progress Association, the Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group, the Cardinia Environment Coalition and Friends of Eumemmering Creek were the Casey groups to receive a project or support grant, or both.
South East region manager of waterways David Norman said the grants program recognised the important role community groups played in improving the health and look of local waterways.
“We have maintenance programs and projects throughout the south-east, and the contribution of the community groups adds a valuable string to the bow, helping make river health improvements at a faster rate,” said Mr Norman.
“The south-east region is very fortunate to have a vast network of volunteer groups committed to looking after our rivers and creeks.
“There are hundreds of passionate volunteers who dedicate hours of their time, and we’re pleased to be able to support the great work they do.”