JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The second round of the Coalition Government’s Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program is now open.
Minister for Resources and Water the Hon. Keith Pitt MP said these grants are a great opportunity for communities across the Murray–Darling Basin to improve the health of rivers and wetlands.
“It was great to see people right across the Basin get behind the first round of the program, with 74 grants awarded to communities ranging from Goondiwindi to Meningie,” Minister Pitt said.
“The second round of grants will build upon the first round, investing in communities to get out on the ground and support their local environment.
“This round will have a large grants stream for projects valued between more than $100,000 and $2 million, in addition to a small grants stream for projects valued at $5,000 to $100,000.
“These grants could fund a wide variety of projects from planting native seedlings along riverbanks to reduce erosion and provide habitat for native birds and animals, to controlling invasive species which threaten native species and farmers’ crops.
“Large grants could be used for projects which have catchment-scale benefits, or higher value localised projects, such as installing fish ladders and culverts to allow native fish to travel throughout the whole river.
“We have made some changes to the guidelines in response to feedback from Round 1. These include making more entities eligible and increasing the maximum funding amount for small grants to $100,000, to minimise red tape for more applicants.”
Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey encouraged community groups, farmers and landholders across the Murray Darling to apply under the second round of grants.
“I know just in the Edward-Wakool area where I live there is a lot of potential for works to improve water flow for creeks,” she said.
“There are similar opportunities throughout the Basin, and I encourage people to look at what can be done to improve river and wetland health.
“Healthy Rivers grants will support real jobs and local businesses across the Murray Darling, as well as the environment. This will stimulate our economy in its recovery from COVID-19 and drought.
“We have increased the number of eligible entities so check the guidelines to see if you could receive a grant.
“Applications for both small and large grants are now open and will close at 9pm AEST on 6 October 2021, so share the news and get your applications in.”
The Healthy Rivers Program is a key part of the Australian Government’s Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package, which is putting communities at the centre of the Basin Plan.
To learn more about eligible activities or to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.