INVESTING IN CLEANER AND GREENER, AND ENERGY EFFICIENT COMMUNITIES IN BARKER

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed the announcement of new funding opportunities for community groups around delivering environmental projects and reducing power bills.

The Communities Environment Program will provide up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for community-led projects that deliver real environmental benefits.

The program builds on the Coalition’s strong record of investing in grassroots environmental action through initiatives such as our $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said the Communities Environment Program would support local community and environment groups deliver real environmental and heritage benefits.

“Community groups across Barker are already delivering excellent projects whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up waterways or preventing soil erosion,” Mr Pasin said.

“$150,000 will be available for local groups in Barker to continue that work and support our local environment.”

The program is modelled on the Government’s successful Stronger Communities program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

The program will fund small-scale projects that deliver outcomes for priorities such as restoring coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks and urban areas.

A broad range of organisations will be eligible, including community clubs like Lions clubs and rotary clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, schools, and other community and conservation groups.

A $5 million Solar Communities programme will provide grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations to apply for funding for small-scale solar energy generation and storage projects.

Mr Pasin said the Morrison Government understood community groups were struggling under the weight of energy bills.

“That’s why we’re taking strong steps to ensure they get the practical support that they need,” Mr Pasin said.

A wide range of organisations that work hard to support our community will be eligible to apply. Examples include community owned kindergartens, welfare centres, Men’s Sheds, community centres, women’s associations, country fire authorities, community owned child care centres, community football and netball clubs, Scout or Guide groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups and surf lifesaving clubs. Community Organisations will be able to submit expressions of interest (EoI) for the program.

Groups interested in the grants are encouraged to contact Mr Pasin’s electorate office to obtain an expression of interest form. EOIs need to be submitted by 26th March.