Grants target native growth

THE Casey Council is opening its pockets for residents keen to improve local vegetation.
The City of Casey’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grants are again available, offering financial help for residents who undertake projects to enhance and improve native vegetation.
Landowners can now apply for a grant up to $2000 to manage the native vegetation on their property.
Casey mayor Mick Morland urged residents and business with “remnant vegetation”, or areas of land that could be revegetated, to apply.
“A recent survey indicated that only six per cent of indigenous vegetation remains within the municipality, so the council has implemented a range of initiatives to increase native vegetation, including linking patches of remnant vegetation across Casey,” he said.
“As part of Council’s Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, these grants are offered to help landowners undertake actions that will improve the extent and quality of native vegetation in Casey.”
The grants may be provided for actions including putting up fencing to protect remnant vegetation, controlling noxious and environmental weeds on private properties, revegetating land with indigenous plants or implementing measures to control pest animals – including red foxes, European rabbits and feral cats.
Applications close at 5pm, on Friday 9 October.
For further details, including eligibility and assessment criteria, and to submit an application online, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/biodiversitygrants