I’m pleased to announce the Communities Environment Program – $22 million to support local communities to deliver a wide range of on-ground projects that conserve, protect and sustainably manage our environment.
Under the Communities Environment Program, each federal electorate can receive up to $150,000 in grant funding for small-scale, community-led projects for environmental priorities such as:
- waste and litter reduction
- protecting native animals, including our threatened species
- addressing weeds and pest animals
- restoring and improving coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
- greening parks and urban areas.
This program aims to support the environmental priorities of local community and environment groups in their regions and neighbourhoods. It aims to not only recover and strengthen our environment, but also to build and strengthen our communities.
Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant amount being $2,500 and the maximum grant amount set at $20,000. Projects are nominated for funding by the Local Member of Parliament in consultation with the community.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned to my office by 28 March 2019.
How Do I apply?
- You may complete and EOI form click here
More information is provided here on the types of projects that can be funded.
Who is eligible?
- You must be an organisation that is a legal entity, able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth
- Organisations may include community clubs (including Lions clubs, Rotary clubs, sports clubs), not-for-profit organisations such as Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups (including Bushcare, Coastcare, ‘friends of’ groups), schools and other community and conservation groups
- Local governing bodies as defined by the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 will also be eligible to receive funding
- Individuals and state or territory government departments will not be eligible for funding
When will I know if my EOI is accepted?
- I will consider the Expressions of Interest and deciding which projects to nominate after consulting with the community through a panel.
- If your organisation is nominated, you’ll be invited by me to apply formally when the program officially opens in mid-2019 through the Australian Government Business Grants Hub. Nominated projects will need to meet Program Guidelines and eligibility criteria, which will be made available closer to the opening date
How many grants will be issued?
- A total of $22.65 million has been allocated nationally
- Up to 20 projects totalling up to $150,000 is available in each Federal electorate
- Minimum grant is $2,500 and the maximum grant amount is set at $20,000
- All EOI’s will be assessed on their individual merits
For more information about the Communities Environment Program, please contact my office on
02 9523 0339. More information is available at www.environment.gov.au/cep
I look forward to receiving your EOI application.
Our local community groups are vital to the Cook Electorate.
That’s why the Coalition Government is supporting our local community organisations to be more energy efficient, reducing emissions and lowering their power bills.
A $5 million Solar Communities Program will provide grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations for small-scale solar and battery projects. This is part of our $50 million investment in the Energy Efficient Communities Program.
We know that community groups struggle under the weight of high power prices. That’s why we’re taking strong steps to ensure they get the practical support that they need to reduce their energy use without reducing productivity.
Grants could be used to fund new solar PV, solar hot water and battery systems. Solar systems can generate electricity during the day and the battery systems can store electricity to run lights, refrigeration and air conditioning systems into the evening.
We are investing in community groups, so they can continue to support our local community.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned to my office by 21 March 2019. Click here to complete on online form.
How Do I apply?
You may complete an here or call our office for us to mail you a paper form.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a community organisation that is a legal entity, able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth
- Your organisation pays the power bills
- If you do not own the building in which you operate for you must be able to gain consent from the owner to make modifications/installations to the building
- If the building is under lease the lease agreement must be a minimum of 10 years or information provided as to how long you have occupied premises and who from
When will I know if my EOI is accepted?
- Organisations will be notified of their successful or unsuccessful application by early May 2019. After this time a more formal grant process will be administered by the Department of Environment. Details of this process and roll out dates will be provided after successful EOI’s have been notified
How many grants will be issued?
- A total of $5 million has been allocated nationally.
- Up to 4 grants will be available per electorate.
- All EOI’s will be assessed on their individual merits including size of systems, estimated cost, electricity saved and the number of community members that may benefit.
For more information about the Solar Communities Program, please contact my office on 02 9523 0339.
I look forward to receiving your EOI application.
