Melbourne Water offers new funding to local Landcare volunteers
Melbourne Water is delighted to announce that our 2025 Landcare grants program is open to new applicants, with more than half a million dollars available to support local volunteers.
More than 500 volunteer conservation groups across the Port Phillip and Westernport region are eligible to apply for financial support.
Project grants of up to $20,000 are available to groups and networks for on-ground works, capacity-building activities, and community education about native vegetation, waterways, and wetlands.
Support grants of up to $500 are also available to help with administration and running costs like taking out insurance or holding events.
Last year's funded groups included:
- The Cairnlea Conservation Reserve Committee of Management, which received support from Melbourne Water to manage three grassland reserves in and around St Albans and rejuvenate wildflowers, and other native species, on public land. This group includes the Friends of Iramoo Grasslands, who transformed a landscape scarred by invasive weeds by creating havens for indigenous species. Because of the volunteers’ work, the grasslands’ health improved enormously, making it possible to find rare orchids, lilies, and insects such as the Golden Sun Moth.
- The Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network received support from Melbourne Water to continue working on a long-term strategy to restore habitat connections across the Mornington Peninsula. This work included classifying vegetation in the peninsula, identifying environmental challenges, and engaging landholders with their native bushland. The group won the 2024 Victorian Landcare Network of the Year for their outstanding efforts. “Being recognised with an award is great but leaving a legacy that will last for generations is even better,” said Mornington Peninsula Landcare Facilitator, Chantal Morton.
- Whittlesea Community Connections, which received funds from Melbourne Water to support Aboriginal and non-indigenous students from Reservoir East Primary School to rehabilitate a stretch of waterway, while learning about culture and connection to Country, by using Country as the teacher.
Landcare Australia was created in 1989 by grassroots movements in every state and territory working to repair the damage to their local environment caused by human activity.
Public interest in land conservation grew throughout Melbourne following a dust storm that suffocated the city in 1983, resulting from years of drought.
Melbourne Water is one of ten catchment management authorities across our state that are responsible for delivering land, water, and biodiversity programs that enhance and protect our environment.
“Melbourne Water welcomes applications from new groups, young conservationists, and community groups who want to change our world for the better, one project at a time,” said Melbourne Water Regional Landcare Coordinator, Barry Kennedy.
“By protecting wildlife corridors and eradicating invasive weeds, our local Landcare groups leave an amazing legacy by improving the condition of entire landscapes.”
Thousands of volunteers taking part in Friends groups, Coastcare, and Committees of Management can join the National Landcare Network and benefit from a project or support grant.
Since 2000, Victorian Landcare Grants have invested $80.6 million in communities to support conservation efforts and help Victorians protect their state’s landscapes, waterways, and wildlife.
Landcare Grants support Biodiversity 2037 and the Victorians Volunteering for Nature plan as part of the Victorian Government’s long-term strategy to protect our environment.
Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on April 16.
Visit Victorian Landcare Grants on the Melbourne Water website for more information, including how to apply for a grant: Landcare | Melbourne Water
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