Posted: 18 October 2006
119 projects to share $435,000 NRC environment fund cash
Almost 120 projects ranging from fencing native bush to controlling pest animals and plants have been awarded a $435,000 share of this year’s record $530,000 Northland Regional Council Environment Award.
Now in its 11th year, the fund has provided more than $1 million since 1996 to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment. Roughly $530,000 is available from this year’s fund, an increase of more than $200,000 on 2005.
Regional Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth says this year the fund received 125 applications (up slightly on previous years) for almost $1 million in funding. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by the end of this month.
“Once again my fellow Councillors and I are thrilled at the level of interest shown by the community and pleased to be able to assist so many groups and individuals with projects that will have ongoing benefits for our region’s environment.”
He says 119 projects have been approved for initial funding, 14 of which involve extended funding for previously approved projects. Together those 119 projects are worth a combined $434,660, with another $94,870 as yet unallocated from the fund and set aside for qualifying projects which arise during the year.
The largest grant awarded so far from this year’s fund is $17,800 and will be used to fence forest, streams and wetlands in the coastal margin at Oneriri in the Kaipara District. The smallest 2006 grant – just $340 – will be used to replant native bush areas at Waima in the Far North.
Mr Farnsworth says the fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project. Last year 88 projects from lakeside predator control to fencing wetlands were funded; 40 based in the Far North District, 28 in the Whangarei District and 20 from the Kaipara.
Projects must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and clearly show evidence of good resource management. This year’s fund will be split across a number of areas:
• General biodiversity protection
• Wetland protection and enhancement
• Pest animal and plant control
• Revegetation and enhancement with native plants
• Excluding stock from the Coastal Marine Area
• Coast care projects (mainly sand dune stabilisation projects)
Individuals and voluntary groups can apply between May and July each year for funding for eligible projects on private land. Landowners, community and conservation organisations, local Maori groups and schools have all successfully applied to the Environment Fund in the past.