MEDIA RELEASE

Strong interest in environmental fund

For immediate release: Thursday 25 August 2005
Bay of Plenty people are still very keen to look after the region’s environment.

Community interest in a major regional environmental fund ago shows no sign of slowing down, even after five years. Environment Bay of Plenty’s Environmental Enhancement Fund has received 81 applications from community groups, district and city councils, and other organisations this year. Last year, the total was about 60.

Community engagement coordinator Jillian Houghton says the continuing high level of interest shows how committed Bay of Plenty people are to caring for the local environment.

“Sometimes, it can be difficult for community groups, especially those involved in land-based projects, to sustain their enthusiasm. It takes real dedication to carry on year after year. Unfortunately, you never get totally rid of pest plants and animals – they keep coming back.”

Some of the applications this year are from groups that have previously received funding but are taking a new step with their projects, Ms Houghton says. Projects vary widely in scope and focus, ranging from heritage to education to wetland restoration.

The applications will now be evaluated, with allocations announced in Environment Bay of Plenty’s newspaper, the Regional Guardian, in early December.

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