Paying for the earth
Whether it's a matter of undoing bad work or ensuring that good work endures, we know that managing our natural resources costs money. bWe also know that the benefits of intelligent natural resources management are shared by many people. So to make the most of your abilities and our money, Northern and Yorke offers financial incentives to individuals and groups committed to working with us "on the ground". Demand for the funding, from natural resources bodies at State and national level, generally is high. But the application process is very simple, and you have to be in it to win it. Once you've been successful at that, you'll have our full support when you get down to doing the really satisfying work on the ground.
What you need to know
In Northern and Yorke, projects that help protect or improve the coastal zone, remnant native vegetation, rivers and riparian vegetation will be considered. So too will reduction of soil erosion and groundwater-driven salinity.
Naturally all biodiversity issues are of interest to us, but locations must be inspected before work starts. Apart from exceptional cases, funding is by reimbursement at the end of a project, and can't be retrospective.
We need formal permission from whoever is responsible for the land, and if the work is of a sensitive nature there could be public consultation. Don't be discouraged by those conditions. It's as you would expect with something as precious as our natural resources, and our NRM officers will advise on all the processes.
While each application is judged on its merits, we can tell you that whole property and whole landscape approaches are encouraged, as are groups of people dedicated to caring for our natural resources.
Starting out
Get in touch with Melanie Rees or your local NRM officer, or fill out the expression of interest form. You will be contacted about a site inspection and a work proposal form detailing cost sharing. The site details and the form then go to the community-based assessment panel. If your proposal is accepted, you have at least a year to finish the job. Don't despair if you miss out the first time, because you are automatically considered for future rounds of funding.
Other sources
Looking after our natural resources is a national state of mind.
Here are some other funding opportunities from within SA and around Australia.
- Australian Government Envirofund. Supports small biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource projects with funding up to 2012 - 2013.
- Landcare. Uniquely Australian community, government and business partnership of more than 4000 groups tackling land degradation countrywide.
- Threatened Species Network. Supports community groups and other conservation partners to fight declining native plants and animals numbers .
- Green Vouchers for Schools. $50,000 for every Australian school to install solar hot water system and rainwater tanks.
- Environmental Education. The Education for Sustainable Development grants program promotes improved education and learning approaches to sustainability.
- Office for Volunteers. Grants up to $3000 for South Australian volunteers and volunteer programs.
- Coast Protection Board. Small grants program for community groups carrying out minor coast works.