MEDIA RELEASE 10 February 2012 Open call for natural resource management school grants The Cradle Coast NRM School Small Grants program is underway again, accepting a new round of applications from across the region between 14 February and 15 March 2012. Open to all schools, educational institutions, youth organisations and early learning centres in North West Tasmania, the grants program provides funding of up to $1,500 for projects that generate positive environmental outcomes. Through the program, schools are encouraged to undertake practical environmental education projects such as establishing a bush tucker or biodiversity garden in the school grounds, working on weed identification and control, purchasing relevant equipment, or leading excursions to significant natural resource management sites. St Brendan Shaw College was a successful grant recipient in 2011 and their participation helped the students to establish a worm farm and compost bin, have hands-on experiences in organic and sustainable farming and in the construction of pest-exclusion fencing. The College also purchased a range of tools and protective clothing and organised class excursions to AgFest. Two funding categories are available under the school grants program – general and cultural heritage. Schools and educational institutions can apply for funds under either one or both of the grant categories. Up to $80,000 will be administered to the region’s schools by Cradle Coast NRM as part of the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative. Program Facilitator, Karina Rose, said that round two of the Schools Small Grants Program was launching early in 2012 to give teachers plenty of opportunity to develop environmental project plans for their classes. “We had a great response from schools last year and are expecting the funds to be fully allocated again in this grant round,” Mrs Rose said. “The program helps teachers incorporate practical activities in their curriculum which in turn really helps the students to get engaged in caring for their local environment.” Schools Small Grants Program application forms and guidelines are available from the Cradle Coast NRM website at www.cradlecoastnrm.com (from 15 February). Enquiries are welcome by calling Cradle Coast NRM Facilitator, Karina Rose, on 6431 6285. End… Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. Cradle Coast NRM is an independent committee hosted by the Cradle Coast Authority. Media Contacts: Karina Rose – Facilitator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0409 240 864
Amanda Wilson – Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 6431 6285