Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said over $625,000 has been provided to community volunteers under the Government’s Stewardship in Action Program.

“The Stewardship in Action Program supports the work of Victorian volunteers to improve public assets, infrastructure and facilities on Crown land,” Mr Jennings said.

The 2008-09 funding will support 92 projects across Victoria including:
    $489, 489 for restoration works to halls and community facilities; and
    $135,438 toward repairs to outdoor facilities such as BBQ’s and picnic shelters and improvements to sporting grounds and courts.

“More than $1.7 million will be spent over four years through the Stewardship in Action Program,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Department of Sustainability and Environment works with local committees of management to identify priority projects and over the past three years 193 projects have been completed.

“Victoria has about 1300 Committees of Management, made up of volunteers and municipal councils, who on behalf of all Victorians, manage more than 4500 Crown land reserves.

“Community facilities and assets play an important role in the lives of local communities, particularly in small towns in regional Victoria.

“Crown land reserves have a multitude of public benefits, providing tourism, sport and recreation venues, supporting our libraries and cultural activities and providing habitat for our native wildlife.

“Feedback from volunteers indicates that the Stewardship in Action program helps them to raise revenue for vital projects. The aim of the grants is to support the hard work by so many local Committees of Management and volunteers to enhance community assets.”

Region    Number of Grants    Total of Grants
Gippsland    16    $125,000
South West    27    $125,500
North East    17    $124,787
North West    18    $125,000
Port Phillip    14    $125,000
Total        92    $625,287