Davidson MP Jonathan O'Dea is encouraging local environmental groups to consider applying for major environmental research grants under the Environmental Trust’s $1 million Environmental Research Program.
Mr O'Dea said funding was available for grants of up to $200,000 - or higher for projects demonstrating strong justification - as well as seeding research grants up to $20,000.
“The Environmental Trust has recognised the importance of NSW communities having sound information to help them adapt to the extreme events associated with climate change and has made this a priority research area,” Mr O'Dea said.
Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker said this funding program will provide support to researchers working to improve our knowledge of regional impacts of climate change at the local level in NSW, helping communities to understand and respond to those impacts, whether they are related to floods or heat effects or bushfires.
“Priorities for funding under the 2012 Environmental Research Program include research addressing the human health and social impacts of climate change, including the impacts on people from bushfires, extreme weather events and water and air quality,” Ms Parker said.
“The funding will also support research projects which help us better understand regional impacts and the risk of emergencies as well as projects exploring or developing cost-effective technologies that will enable us to adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
The Environmental Research Program assesses major grant applications in a two-stage process, beginning with Expressions of Interest (EOI) across two categories:
· Major category – Grants up $200,000 (or higher with strong justification) for Climate Change research.
· Minor category - Up to $100,000 for Biodiversity and Conservation or Resource Efficiency and Sustainability research.
The EOIs are peer-reviewed and assessed by a Technical Committee and successful applicants are invited to submit full applications. Additionally, full applications are invited for grants of up to $20,000 for seeding research.
Mr O'Dea said, "The guidelines, application forms and more information is available on the Environmental Trust website at www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au. Applications are open until 5pm on 10 February 2012."
