Community Environment Alliance grants now open

Applications for the Borough of Queenscliffe 2019 Community Environment Alliance (CEA) grants program are now open, with applications invited until 4:00pm on Friday 15 March 2019.

“Through our first round of CEA grants in 2018, Council was able to support three local projects that have had a far-reaching and very positive impact across the community,” said Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Bob Merriman.

“These outstanding results give Council very high hopes for the potential of the 2019 program, and we look forward to receiving and reviewing applications from local organisations in the near future,” said Cr Merriman.

The CEA grants support local not-for-profit organisations and groups to reduce carbon emissions and preserve the Borough’s natural environment. The grants program aims to support, enhance and improve environmental sustainability in the local community, resulting in environmentally sustainable operations and decision-making.

Applications can be made by incorporated not-for-profit organisations whose principal activities are conducted within the Borough of Queenscliffe area, and schools, for non-infrastructure projects that are separate to the normal school curriculum.

Successful projects may include environmental education, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, energy efficiency upgrades, revegetation and water conservation within the Borough of Queenscliffe municipality.

The grant program guidelines, online application form and further details about the program are available on Council’s website, www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au. Prior to making an application, interested groups should read the grant guidelines and discuss their project with Council’s Sustainability Officer on 5258 1377 to determine their eligibility.

In 2018, the CEA grants program funded three local projects: • Boomerang Bags, conducted by the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House; • Kids Teaching Kids Local Conference 2018, conducted by St Aloysius Catholic Primary School; and • Gardens for Wildlife – A Targeted Approach, conducted by the Swan Bay Environment Association.

The three successful projects encouraged participation from a wide cross-section of the community, built knowledge, awareness and understanding of environmental issues, and supported individuals to connect with the environment.

The Community Environment Alliance is a group of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale locals who are working together to reduce carbon emissions. Find out more about the CEA on Council’s website at www.queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/cea.