2021-03-17
Rural landholders can now apply for the latest round of rural resilience grants which will provide $200,000 to our farmers to help tackle invasive weeds and animals.
“The ACT Government’s Rural Resilience Grants—Weed and Pest Animals Control grants scheme is designed to support ACT rural landholders to address weed and pest animal issues that have emerged following the drought, fires and subsequent rain,” Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said.
“This grants scheme, which is on top of the work that the ACT Government undertakes to combat invasive species on public land, will help both farmers and the wider community.
“Not only will farmers be able to reduce the invasive species on their properties, but there will be wider environment benefits.”
Invasive species that should be targeted in this round include St John’s Wort, African Lovegrass, Chilean Needle Grass, Paterson’s Curse, Blackberry, Sweet Briar and woody weeds as well as rabbits, feral pigs, deer and foxes.
Landholders can apply either individually or in groups for grants of up to $10,000 for weed and/or pest animal control activities. Successful applicants will be required to match grant funding either with cash or in-kind contributions.
“Successful applications will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to management of invasive species that enhances biodiversity, conservation and sustainable agriculture,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Later today I will meet with the Rural Landholders Association in Tharwa and encourage our local farmers to apply for these important grants.”
Grant applications are open until 23 April 2021 with all approved projects to be completed by 30 June 2022. To find out more and to apply, visit the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development website.
Quotes attributable to Tom Allen of the Rural Landholders Association:
“These rural resilience grants are welcomed by the ACT farming community. They are a practical way we can improve our lands to be more sustainable and productive,” Mr Allen said.
“The grants are an example of how rural landholders and government can work together to tackle an ongoing problem that affects both farming land and the wider environment.”