• $7 million in grants for community groups to conserve and enhance land and marine assets
• McGowan Government supporting natural resource management across Western Australia

The long running, successful program backs community-led land and water conservation initiatives, spanning soil, water and marine ecosystems, as well as native animals and organisms.

The program is open to a wide range of regional and metropolitan applicants, including NRM groups, Local Government Authorities, Aboriginal organisations, Community Resource Centres, Recognised Biosecurity Groups and schools

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Small grants are available between $1,000 and $50,000 for short term projects and large grants between $50,000 and $450,000 for longer term activities.

Over the past five years, $38.5 million worth of Community Stewardship Grants have supported 409 grassroots not-for-profit and volunteer groups that care for the State's diverse and valuable natural assets, from the Kimberley to the South Coast.

This includes supporting cactus weed control in the Goldfields, protecting the habitat of the Gilbert's potoroo in the South West, landscape restoration in the Wheatbelt, feral herbivore control in the Kimberley and rehabilitating waterways in the Perth metropolitan area.

For more information and to apply for a Community Stewardship Grant visit http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au. Applications close 12pm Monday, 1 May 2023.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"This important program supports the energy, passion and commitment of volunteers who work hard to conserve our diverse land, marine and river environments, as well as the natural bush and wildlife sanctuaries.

"I encourage all community NRM groups to explore how these grants can help protect and enhance our unique land and water assets for future generations."

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"Local community groups play an important role in protecting our environment and these grants will provide vital support to ensure that great work continues.

"Our Government is committed to conserving WA's unique biodiversity. This successful program has helped protect our iconic wildlife from Carnaby's cockatoos to the Gilbert's potoroo and Kimberley shorebirds."

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"WA's vast coastline, wetlands and rivers are an important asset that we must continue to do our upmost to protect - but it takes a community effort.

"This special program backs in the work and expertise of community groups that play such an important role in preserving these habitats for the wildlife that relies on it."

Minister's office - 6552 6200