Boosting biodiversity in our Shire

Published on 10 May 2023

Council will be supporting community-led projects to improve biodiversity in our Shire through its Biodiversity Grants program. Grants are now open and community groups, including environmental groups, schools and other incorporated or auspiced groups, are encouraged to apply. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that protecting biodiversity was a high priority for Council.

“These Council-funded grants will help support some of the excellent work being done by community groups.”

“By supporting community groups who have the passion to lead these projects, we are taking positive steps to protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity,” said Cr Hood.

“We are excited to see what kind of applications we receive during this round of grants,” said Cr Hood.

More information on the guidelines and application process can be found at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants.

Projects for amounts up to $5,000 will be considered.  Applications close 5pm, Monday 5 June 2023.

Projects funded in 2022 included:

• Daylesford Community Centre - $4,236.64 to establish an accessible indigenous wildlife demonstration garden
• Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife - $3,728.24 to organise training in local plant and weed identification for the general community including mentors of the Hepburn Garden for Wildlife program
• Hepburn Wildlife Shelter - $3,363.34 to revise and reprint 2012 booklet that outlines things we can do to minimise our impact on wildlife and share our spaces with the local wildlife
• Blampied Kooroocheang Landcare Group - $4,236.6 to establish stock proof fencing for a seed production area (SPA), aiming to grow 2,000 Silver Banksia- an important revegetation species for the Shire.
• Daylesford Primary School - $4,236.64 to run a program to conduct on-ground revegetation projects designed and implemented by student-led teams with associated biodiversity awareness excursions and incursions
• Wattle Flat Pootilla Landcare Group - $4,198.51 to part-fund purchase of a covered trailer for the safe storage, handling and transport of equipment for Landcare activities.