Weeds of National Significance grants program

The ACT Natural Resource Management (NRM) Council, with support from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country (CFOC) program, is making $330,000 available for targeted control of Weeds of National Significance (WONS) within the ACT.

The funds will be used to provide a competitive grants program to support community groups and rural landholders in managing WONS in the ACT through strategic and well planned on-ground actions.  The principle WONS that funds can be used for the control of are: Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus aggregate); Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana); and Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma).

The project gives priority to addressing the spread of these weeds, attacking core infestations and areas in close proximity to areas of high conservation value.

Proponents are encouraged to work cooperatively with the managers of neighbouring properties to develop cross tenure weed control management plans that provide for better outcomes at a broader scale.

The program aims are to:

• achieve a significant and measurable reduction in the range and abundance of WONS and regionally significant weeds across the ACT;
• reduce the spread of WONS and regionally significant weeds that impact on biodiversity, rural values and/or urban values;
• increase community capacity to manage weeds; and
• stimulate further action by the ACT Landcare and Park Care communities to address WONS.

Grants of between $5,000 and $100,000 will be offered, with proponents being expected to match the funds sought 1:1 through cash and/or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be from non-government sources and cannot be reported against another grant.

Applications must be received by 5pm on 2 February 2012.

The Application Form and Guidelines can be accessed at the ACT NRM council website http://www.actnrmcouncil.org.au/node/170 

For further information please contact: Tammie Spackman,
NRM Investment Manager 6207 2114 tammie.spackman@act.gov.au