157 projects to share $500,000+ NRC env fund

More than 150 projects ranging from protecting sand dunes to pest control have been awarded a share of this year’s $500,000-plus Northland Regional Council Environment Award.

Now in its 13th year, the fund aims to help people improve and protect Northland’s natural environment. About $520,000 is available from this year’s fund, bringing the total allocated since 1996 to more than $2.6 million.

Regional Council Deputy Chairman Ian Walker says this year the fund received 192 applications (up roughly 20 on last year) for almost $1.2 million worth of funding for projects with a combined value of more than $2 million.

Cr Walker says of those, 157 projects - worth a combined $514,447 - have been approved for initial funding, with another $5503 set aside for other qualifying projects which may arise during the year. Of the 157 projects funded, 68 are from the Far North District, 56 from the Whangarei District and 33 from Kaipara.

Cr Walker says a similar number of projects were funded last year and the Council is pleased at both the ongoing level of interest and that such a diverse range of high quality projects can be funded again this year.

Of the projects funded yesterday (subs: Weds 17 Sept), the largest single grant of $18,000 will be used to fence wetlands and coastal margins in the Te Puna Inlet. The smallest grant - $200 – will be used for plant pest control in the Bream Bay area.

Cr Walker says the fund typically contributes up to 50 percent of the total cost of a project. Projects must be of long-term benefit to the local environment and clearly show evidence of good resource management.

This year’s fund will be split across a number of areas:

General projects ($185,000)
Wetland protection ($100,000)
Pest control projects ($75,000)
Coastal dune protection ($25,000)
 

Native revegetation projects with the Honda NZ Tree Fund ($22,000)
Stock exclusion from the Coastal Marine Area ($100,000)
Projects within the Ruakaka area ($12,000)
 

Individuals and voluntary groups can apply for funding for eligible projects on private land. Landowners, community and conservation organisations, local Maori groups and schools have all successfully applied to the Environment Fund in the past.