Applications for the Regional Council’s 2006 Environment Fund opened this week (Monday 1 May) and can be made until Friday 14 July.
Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth says since 1996 the fund has provided more than $1 million to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment.
Mr Farnsworth says about $505,000 is expected to be available for this year’s fund, an increase of almost $200,000 on 2005.
“This extra funding is designed to recognise the tremendous effort and commitment that Northlanders are continuing to put into improving the region’s environment.”
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. Grants ranged from $20,600 to help fence off riparian areas around Lake Omapere, while the smallest – just $275 – went to help with pest control in the North Hokianga area.
Mr Farnsworth says the fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project, with most grants for between $500 and $5000. Applicants must be able to provide the remainder of the cost with time, cash costs, other funding or in-kind contributions such as voluntary labour and donated materials.
“Projects must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and clearly show evidence of good resource management. Examples of previously funded projects include protecting native bush and wetlands by fencing out stock, replanting streamsides and pest eradication to preserve native habitat.”
Mr Farnsworth says projects designed to generate personal or commercial profit, required under a resource consent, or to simply beautify a site, are not eligible for funding.
The fund is open to individuals and voluntary groups 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.
Mr Farnsworth says as proposed, 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).
Mr Farnsworth says people wanting to check whether their project might qualify for funding should contact Regional Council Land Management staff on (0800) 002 004.
Alternatively, he says information evenings about the fund are being held around Northland from 6.30pm in the following locations:
- Whangarei - Tuesday 30 May:
Northland Regional Council, 36 Water Street
- Dargaville - Wednesday 31 May:
Dargaville Town Hall, Hokianga Road
- Kaiwaka - Thursday 1 June:
Kaiwaka Sports Association, Gibbons Road
- Kerikeri - Wednesday 7 June:
Kingston House, 123 Hone Heke Road
- Kaitaia - Thursday 8 June:
REAP Centre, Puckey Avenue, Kaitaia
Application forms and guidelines are also now available from all Northland Regional Council offices, by calling (0800) 002 004, sending an email to nolas@nrc.govt.nz or by visiting Council’s website.
Applications must be with the Council by 5pm on 14 July and successful applicants will be notified by Monday 30 October.