Lake Macquarie opens community environment grants for local projects

newy.com.au – Organisations with ideas to improve the environment and inspire sustainable behaviour across Lake Macquarie are being encouraged to apply for a Community Environment Grant offering up to $5000 for local projects.

The grants are available for projects that reduce waste, improve biodiversity, lower carbon emissions or promote environmentally sustainable practices in the community.

Lake Macquarie City Council said recent projects supported through the program included a community garden upgrade at St Luke’s Uniting Church at Belmont, benefiting local preschool children, community housing residents and volunteers.

Church representative Marilyn Deas said the project had re-energised the garden and expanded its role in the community.

“This project has renewed the enthusiasm of our gardeners and community,” she said.

“It will enable more produce to be grown and shared with the pre-schoolers that visit twice a week, community housing residents, church congregation and gardeners.”

Ms Deas said the $5000 grant allowed church volunteers to build three new garden beds, refurbish old beds and buy soil.

“We’re able to divide plants to sell back to the community, helping us work towards being almost self-sufficient,” Ms Deas said.

Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Sustainability Engagement Zoe Johnson said the grants showed how community-led projects could deliver local environmental benefits.

“We’re seeing how relatively small grants can support projects that strengthen community connections and resilience, while improving outcomes for our environment,” she said.

“We encourage eligible groups with an idea to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, community groups, social enterprises, sole traders and other entities that can demonstrate clear community benefit.

Applications for this round of Community Environment Grants close at 5pm on Sunday, 13 April.