Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, today recognised World Water Day by announcing the recipients of the 2015 Healthy Waterways Community Grants, worth a total of $633,500, to 160 community groups across Melbourne.
The grants support not-for-profit environmental community groups to complete works along rivers and creeks and raise awareness of the importance of healthy waterways.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available to support on the ground projects, and grants of up to $1,000 are available to cover administrative costs such as insurance and promotion.
The community grants – administered by Melbourne Water – embody this year’s World Water Day theme, ‘Water and Sustainable Development’, which encourages thinking about the varied role water plays in our lives and how it can be managed in the future.
There are more than 8,400km of rivers and creeks across Melbourne, making the support of community groups essential to protecting and improving waterways for the environment and recreation.
World Water Day is held each year on March 22 and aims to celebrate water and raise awareness about water-related issues around the world.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville
“There’s a river or creek in almost every community across Victoria – they’re part of the fabric of our state.”
“World Water Day is a chance for us to recognise and support the efforts of the thousands of volunteers who are protecting our rivers and creeks today, so they can continue to be enjoyed in the future.”
“Healthy waterways help maintain Melbourne’s status as the world’s most liveable city.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Water General Manager Waterways and Land, Gavan O’Neill
“Waterways face a lot of pressures from urban development and it’s important that we work together to look after them, both for the plants and animals that live there, and for people to enjoy too.”
“Our research tells us people love waterways as places to exercise, relax, or catch up with family and friends. We’re grateful for the efforts of local community groups who continue to make these great places to visit.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020