At their July meeting, Council allocated $24,000 to local groups under the Community Biodiversity Grants Program. The program is part of the Shire’s Biodiversity Strategy.
Six projects were allocated funding under the scheme.
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC) received $4,200 for an Indigenous Flora Demonstration Garden. The garden will be developed on the grounds of the DNC in Camp Street. The garden and associated interpretation will be open to visitors and will be a tool for programs such as the Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife program.
Gardens for Wildlife also received a grant of $4,400 for a program to train volunteer mentors who assist residents to develop their gardens to be more supportive for local wildlife and to create a more sustainable environment.
Hepburn Wildlife Shelter received $3,400 to reprint their 2012 booklet, Meet the Locals. The booklet outlines things we can do to minimise our impact on wildlife and share our spaces with the local wildlife.
Blampied Kooroocheang Landcare group was awarded $4,200 for a project to develop a locally depleted remnant population of Silver Banksia. The funding will enable fencing and tree guards in a seed production area.
Daylesford Primary School received $4,200 for a biodiversity design development project. The funding will enable six planting projects excursion costs and promotion and mentoring of student teams by skilled mentors.
Wattle Flat Pootilla Landcare group was awarded $4,200 to purchase a covered trailer for the storage, handling and transport of equipment for Landcare activities. The trailer will replace a 30- year-old Landcare trailer. The group does weeding and revegetation work around Dean, Creswick, Cabbage Tree, Wattle Flat and Slaty Creek.
