'Green up' Cardinia with weed-control grants

Available through the Greening Cardinia program, the grants aim to improve biodiversity on private and public land and create habitat for threatened species.

Eligible applicants can be landowners or community groups undertaking works to control high-impact weeds on propery located in areas of high environmental value. This can include land near bushland, natural reserves or creeks and rivers.

Landowners on properties over 4,000m2 (1 acre) and community groups* may apply for a maximum of $1,500.

Activities that are eligible include:

• Works that control high-impact weeds on property located in areas of high biodiversity value.
• Purchasing approved chemicals for the required works* (up to a maximum of $750 per grant).
• Disposing of weed material (such as tip passes or skip hire).
• The hiring of equipment (such as mulchers).
• Hiring contractors* (conditions apply; see website for details).

In addition to the weed control grants, the Greening Cardinia program includes an indigenous plant giveaway (Category 2) and biodiversity incentive community group grants (Category 3).

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik encouraged residents and groups to help maintain a green Cardinia.

"The weed control program has been hugely succesful in recent years and we are pleased to see it return," Cr Kowarzik said.

"We see great value in these grants and are encouraging all residents and groups, right across the shire, to get involved. The works carried out under this program will provide long-term benefits to the biodiversity of Cardinia."

For further inforamtion, including about how to apply, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/greeningcardinia.

If you need assistance, please contact our Environment and Heritage team on 1300 787 624.