Apply Now for Environmental Levy Funding

Applications are now open for the 2019/2020 Environmental Levy (EL) Grants Program from community-based organisations and individuals interested in helping to improve or sustain our local environment.

Under the Program, grants worth between $2,000 and $25,000 are available per project.

Council introduced the Environmental Levy (EL) as a means of undertaking environmental management and improvement works. The levy currently raises around $1.3 million a year at an average cost of $44 per ratepayer, of which approximately $300,000 is available to community groups.

Examples of current EL projects include:

EnviTE – Koala habitat rehabilitation and community education. Funding of $23,000 allocated. Habitat loss and fragmentation is one of the biggest threats to koala populations in the Coffs Harbour LGA. Koalas need to be able to move across the landscape in order for populations to survive and maintain genetic viability. This project will rehabilitate koala habitat and Endangered Ecological Community (EEC). Bush regeneration work is being carried out across three public reserves covering an area of 12ha. In addition, the project is running field days to engage and educate school children and local residents in Koala and habitat conservation. Sandy Beach Action Group – Revegetation of open drain on reserve. Funding of $2,000 allocated. This community project is to restore an open drain on Sandy Beach Reserve in a location identified as having the potential to become a wetland. South Coffs Community Garden– Install stand-alone off grid solar PV system. Funding of $16,862 allocated. The project aims to allow total off grid power self-sufficiency for everyday operation and allow educational and community interaction programs to operate effectively.

Applications will be assessed by the Environmental Levy Grants Program Panel which consists of one Councillor, two qualified members of the community, one interagency advisor and a qualified member of Council staff.

Environmental Levy Grants Program application forms, policy and guidelines are available on Council’s website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au under the Environment tab.

Applications will be accepted up until 5pm Friday, 12 April, 2019.