THREE projects facilitated by Up2Us Landcare have received funding under the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants.
In the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region, a total of $282,020 has been allocated to 17 on-ground projects and educational activities focused on
biodiversity protection.
A further 35 environmental volunteer groups were the recipients of smaller support grants.
"We have been successful in receiving funding from the Victorian Landcare Grants to continue our War on Weeds and Web of Life programs," said Jess Robinson, project officer at Up2Us Landcare.
"This will be our fifth year of being able to offer the projects to our Mansfield community.
"The War on Weeds program is important for providing rebates and management plans for local landholders to help control woody weeds.
"The Web of Life program helps to fund some of our education programs, subsidised tree guards, and field days and workshops, including our popular fungi event."
In addition, the Delatite Landcare Group - which is faciltated by Up2Us - received funding of $12,038, with funds going towards a revised edition of the local plant guide for the shire.
Five Landcare and Friends Of groups based within the Mansfield Shire were also successful in receiving a support grant in the 2024 round, with Howqua Valley, Upper Goulburn Intrepid, Upper Broken River, Fords Creek and Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail each awarded $500 in funding.
"Landcare Victoria Support Grants are designed to assist groups with costs such as insurance, operational needs, and communication,' said Jess.
Jess confirmed Up2Us Landcare Alliance also helps to facilitate these groups.
Other projects within the Goulburn Broken region include connecting the headwaters of the Jarvis and Scrubby Creeks; increasing the update of climate ready plant species and planting techniques across Wodonga; and building habitat and awareness of bandicoots in the Rowdy Flat area near Yackandandah.
The delivery of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants aim to build on Victorian Landcare Grants delivered by community in 2023, including native plantings, weed control, pest control and installation of fencing to protect wildlife habitat.
The Victorian Landcare Grants support Biodiversity 2037 which is the Victorian Government’s long-term plan to protect Victoria’s environment.
Biodiversity 2037 aims to improve more than 23,000 hectares (ha) of land, the equivalent of more than 13,000 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.
The plan aims to protect 228 ha with 3559 km of fencing; revegetate 872 ha; undertake 2977 ha of weed control and 19,277 ha of herbivore control.