COMMUNITY garden projects in Echunga, Strathalbyn and Whyalla are among the beneficiaries of a state government grants, aimed at addressing local sustainability issues in a changing climate.
Grants of up to $10,000 have been awarded to 12 community groups across the state, designed by Conservation SA, with support from the Department for Environment and Water, to help local community groups deliver practical, on-ground climate-related projects.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said the grants were awarded to innovative projects, specifically aimed at improving sustainability within local communities.
“We were presented with a variety of excellent projects from across the state, with a particular focus on urban greening, coastal protection, and water sensitive urban design,” he said.
“I congratulate all of the successful applicants – I look forward to seeing them in action.”
Conservation SA chief executive Craig Wilkins said the grants were a great way for local community groups to help spread the message about protecting, restoring and conserving SA's natural environment.
“Conservation SA has been advocating for a more sustainable future for our state for almost 50 years,” he said.
“We have long-championed for our environment, and the people who care about it, so it’s great to be able to facilitate financial support for local groups to increase community awareness of environmental challenges and engage in emerging solutions.
“Well done to all of this year’s grant recipients, and thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an application.”
Among the grants are Bringing Back the the Butterflies, which helps communities propagate and plant native plants along street verges; a project to prepare and distribute climate ready backs; and the restoration of grassland habitat to allow the reintroduction of endangered pygmy bluetongue lizards.
Echunga Community Association will be buying a watering trailer with pump to support the community in caring for street trees and shrubs, greening streetscapes.
The Goolwa to Wellington local action planning association will provide discounted packs of native plants for residents to reduce water needs and create more resilient gardens in Strathalbyn.
Whyalla Revegetation Group will establish a community native garden for education purposes, including examples of water savings species.
