Date: 09 July, 2008

Deadline Looms For $500,000 Nrc Environment Fund

Time is running out for applications for a $500,000 Northland Regional Council fund designed to help people protect and enhance the region’s precious natural environment.

Applications for the Regional Council’s 2008 Environment Fund – now in its 13th year – can be made until 5pm on Friday 18 July. As of today (subs: Weds 09 July) just 20 formal applications had been made, despite dozens of inquiries.

However, those responsible for the fund are bracing themselves for a traditional last-minute rush that typically sees a flurry of applications arrive in just a few days before the cut off date.

Last year more than 150 projects worth more than $500,000 were funded, ranging from planting eroding sand dunes to protecting kiwi. Of those, 65 (worth $238,350) were based in the Far North District, 66 (worth $184,833) in the Whangarei District and 25 (worth $93,310) in the Kaipara.

Since 1996 the fund has provided more than $2 million to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment. About $500,000 is expected to be available for this year’s fund.

The Environment Fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project, with most grants for between $500 and $5000. Applicants must be able to provide the remainder of the cost with time, cash costs, other funding or in-kind contributions such as voluntary labour and donated materials.

Projects must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and show clear evidence of good resource management. The fund is open to individuals and voluntary groups for eligible projects on private land.

However, projects designed to generate personal or commercial profit, required under a resource consent, or to simply beautify a site, are not eligible for funding.

Anyone wanting to check whether their project might qualify for funding should contact Regional Council Land Management staff on (0800) 002 004.

Application forms and guidelines are available from all Regional Council offices, by calling (0800) 002 004, sending an email to nolas@nrc.govt.nz or by visiting Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/environmentfund
Successful applicants will be notified in October 2008.

ENDS

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