More than $150,000 to 12 community projects

Waikato Regional Council has granted a total of $153,500 to twelve community projects designed to protect and enhance the environment.

The funding was approved by councillors recently following the latest round of Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) applications. The council received 28 funding applications, totalling $788,293 in requested funds.

The successful applications include support for combating kauri dieback on the Coromandel ($25,000), a plastic bag free Raglan initiative ($20,000) and the restoration of Hammond Park in Hamilton ($20,000) through to a $2000 grant for a Hamilton Homeless Trust community garden.

“The EIF has been a great way of supporting worthwhile community initiatives aimed at enhancing our environment and supporting environment-related projects,” said council chairperson Paula Southgate.

“Protecting our natural resources requires a partnership approach involving grassroots groups and individuals and we’re pleased to be able to announce this latest round of funding for some very worthwhile work.”

The full list of approved grants is:

• $25,000 - Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum Trust to survey current knowledge, attitudes and behavior on kauri dieback

• $20,000 – Riverlea Environment Society for the restoration of Hammond Park

• $20,000 – Whaingaroa Environment Centre for a plastic bag free Raglan project

• $20,000 – Waikato Environment Centre for its Kaivolution programme to reduce food waste

• $17,500 – Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust for removal of weeds and replacement with natives along the trail

• $13,000 – Habitat Enhancement and Landcare Partnership (Waihi) for removal of Japanese walnut along the Ohinemuri riverbank and replacement with natives

• $11,000 – QEII National Trust for Vivian Falls weed control and infill planting

• $10,000 – Mist Preservation Society for feral pig control and protection of king ferns in Coromandel

• $7000 - Te Arawa River Trust for an Iwi in Wetland “learning through experience” project

• $5000 – Tamahere-Mangaone Restoration Trust for a local restoration project

• $3000 – Grandview Community Garden Trust for a nga rongoa garden and gully restoration project

• $2000 – Hamilton Homeless Trust for development of a community garden.

ENDS

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