The Allan Labor Government is helping improve habitat for native wildlife across Victoria’s iconic urban rivers and creeks through a new grant program.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today visited Merri Creek to announce the opening of the $10 million Green Links Grant Program, which aims to revegetate up to 200 hectares of land in both Melbourne and Geelong - to enhance waterways for native animals including birds, frogs, fish and platypus.
The program will help improve biodiversity and provide more cool, green places where communities can connect with nature within our cities and towns.
Community groups, water or land managers, Traditional Owners and local governments can apply for up to $200,000 for small projects or up to $2 million in funding for large-scale projects.
Funding in year one of the program will be available for urban waterways identified for new planning controls in the Government’s Protecting Waterways so our Wildlife Can Thrive commitment this includes:
Edgars Creek
Darebin Creek
Gardiners Creek
Jacksons Creek
Koonung Creek
Kororoit Creek
The Maribyrnong River
Cherry Creek
Merri Creek
Moonee Ponds Creek
Steele Creek
Stony Creek
Funding is also available to waterways included in the Waterways of the West Action Plan, the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan and Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – the Yarra Strategic Plan.
Victoria’s urban waterways – including the Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, Barwon, and the many tributariesin their catchment areas – hold significant social, cultural, environmental, and economic values.
The program will bring together community groups, Traditional Owners, agencies and the Victorian Government – to deliver healthier waterways and better spaces for the community to enjoy.
The Labor Government will invest $10 million over three years into the grant program. This complements the more than $300 million invested over four years to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria and Melbourne.
The first round of the Green Links Grant Program is open until 14 December 2023 and successful grants will be announced in early 2024.
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“We are strengthening and enhancing our urban rivers and creeks to protect our native wildlife and make them places for the community to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
“Merri Creek and Darebin Creek are precious biodiversity corridors that are cherished by locals and visitors. These grants will help ensure their ecosystems remain healthy and resilient as our climate changes and our population grows.”
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.water.vic.gov.au/grants/green-links-grants
