The state government is helping improve habitat for native wildlife across Victoria’s iconic urban rivers and creeks through a new grant program.
Water Minister Harriet Shing announced 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 including, Edgars Creek, Darebin Creek, Gardiners Creek, Jacksons Creek, Koonung Creek, Kororoit Creek, Maribyrnong River, Cherry Creek, Merri Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek, Steele Creek and Stony Creek.
Victoria’s urban waterways – including the Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, Barwon, and the many tributaries in their catchment areas – hold significant social, cultural, environmental, and economic values.
The program will bring together community groups, Traditional Owners, agencies and the state government – to deliver healthier waterways and better spaces for the community to enjoy.
The state 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.
“We are strengthening and enhancing our urban rivers and creeks to protect our native wildlife and make them places for the community to enjoy,” said Minister Shing,
The first round of the Green Links Grant Program is open until December 14, 2023, and successful grants will be announced in early 2024.
