Council funding boosts sustainability of green groups
Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Partnership Funding Program has awarded $714,000 to 17 local environment groups.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Partnership Funding Program has awarded $714,000 to 17 local environment groups.
Funded from council’s Environment Levy, groups receive funding for operational expenses for up to three years.
Recipients of Community Partnership Funding commencing in 2011/12 include:
| Group | Funds | Years funded |
| Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors | $50,000 | 3 |
| Maroochy Community Permaculture Group Inc (Yandina Community Gardens) | $18,790 | 3 |
| Mooloola River Waterwatch & Landcare Inc | $61,850 | 1 |
| Night Eyes Association Inc | $18,663 | 3 |
| Reef Check Foundation Ltd (t/a Reef Check Australia) | $25,000 | 3 |
| Sunshine Coast Environment Council | $30,000 | 3 |
| Wildlife Volunteers Association Inc | $17,300 | 1 |
| WPSQ Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Inc | $40,316 | 1 |
| $261,919 |
Funding will provide ongoing support for the World Environment Day Festival, the ‘Living Smart’ program, monitoring the ecosystem health of inshore reefs, protection and rehabilitation of waterways, the care and rehabilitation of native fauna and the humane treatment of injured wildlife.
Council also allocated a further $451,771 for projects in their second year, including:
| Group | Funds |
| Barung Landcare Association Inc | $79,091 |
| Currimundi Catchment Care Group Inc | $18,819 |
| Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc | $77,273 |
| Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee | $70,677 |
| Maroochy Waterwatch Inc | $96,200 |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Inc | $10,000 |
| Coolum District Coast Care Group Inc | $20,109 |
| Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Support Group Inc | $1,320 |
| Noosa Integrated Catchment Association | $78,282 |
| $451,771 |
Environment Portfolio Councillor Keryn Jones said by partnering with the community through this funding program, council is working toward its vision for the Sunshine Coast to be Australia’s most sustainable region.
"These community groups and volunteers make important and positive contributions to our environment and our communities," Cr Jones said.
"The Community Partnership Funding Program enables council and community groups to work together to develop strong relationships. Council staff can also help community groups to build their capacity with regard to good governance and sustainable practices.
"The funds are of great assistance to these groups, however partnering with council to develop skills and opportunities to help ensure long term success and sustainability is the biggest benefit."
Successful applicants have an ongoing relationship with council that includes development of partnership agreements and regular reporting.
The next round of council’s Community Partnership Funding Program opens on 1 May 2012. Further details are available on council’s website or from customer contact centres.