The Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (SMCMA) is offering eligible individuals, schools and community groups grants to fund short term educational projects that provide for community participation in natural resource management or cultural awareness activities.
Mr O’Dea said the grants were from $5,000 to $25,000 and provided an excellent opportunity for people to expand their knowledge of the environment or enrich their lives with a cultural experience.
“This is a great way for individuals, schools, community groups, environmental education centres, non government organisations and businesses to do something positive for the environment and raise cultural awareness,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Selection criteria is based on the project providing on ground or in field learning experiences, utilising a local natural environment, providing training for target groups that will enhance skills and knowledge and facilitating a participant’s awareness of biodiversity.
“The same applies for cultural issues where community members are engaged in cultural activities who would otherwise have limited contact with different cultural groups.
“Activities that will attract funding include training workshops, field days, launches biodiversity monitoring, purchase of equipment for the project and development of an environmental education resource.
“While the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment is currently receiving attention, there may be a need for greater community focus on the Blue Gum High Forest and Middle Harbour Creek Catchment.
Other details on the grants application process can be found at: http://www.sydney.cma.nsw.gov.au.
Expressions of interest must be lodged via email to: meron.wilson@cma.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Wednesday 24 October 2007. Telephone enquiries can be made to Meron Wilson on 9895 6207 or Mobile 0405 674 894 (Tuesdays to Thursdays).
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
