- Published:
- Monday 1 August 2016
Applications are now open for the second round of Andrews Labor Government’s Collaborative Council – Sustainability Fund Partnerships program.
This program provides grants of up to $75,000 for councils who work together to develop sustainable projects and initiatives across council boundaries. The money can be used to develop business cases or feasibility studies to find innovative solutions that are good for the environment and improve the Council’s bottom line.
Last year, sixteen councils shared in $270,700 in funding for a range of projects that encouraged collaborative efforts.
Successful grant recipients in 2015 included:
- $75,000 to Golden Plains Shire, City of Ballarat, Ararat Rural City and Pyrenees Shire for development of a community education and behavioural change program to reduce kerbside waste and improve recycling
- $60,700 to fund an analysis of implementing a regional scale Solar Rates program for the cities of Yarra Ranges, Boroondara, Knox, Monash, Maroondah, Stonington and Whitehorse
- $60,000 to Glenelg Shire and Southern Grampians Shire for an investigation into shared organics facility, to divert food and garden organics from landfill
- $75,000 to Benalla City Council, Alpine Shire and Rural City of Wangaratta to investigate the feasibility of establishing a regional landfill site
The program aligns with a broader measure set out in the Local Government Act Review to encourage councils to better work together and reach collaborative arrangements.
For details and support for applications visit: www.delwp.vic.gov.au/collaborative-councils
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“We saw some great applications during the first round of the program and I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas councils have this year.”
“This program is another example of the great benefits that come from councils working together to produce innovative initiatives and projects.”