Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to talk today, if members opposite would allow me, about a new fund: the Communities Environment Program. It is open to all members of the House, with up to $150,000 per electorate. I'm not sure whether members opposite would like to participate, but they're invited. They can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects just like this to repair riparian areas, working hard with their local volunteer groups and Landcare groups.

Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. Our community groups are the ones we rely on. We can't do without them. They deliver excellent projects across the vast and amazing landscape of rural and urban Australia. The program guidelines will be out soon. There will be information sessions next week. Again, this is for members opposite, as well as members on this side of the House. We look forward to you promoting this program amongst your constituents, stepping up and understanding that the government is on the side of conservation volunteers and on the side of Australians who want to take practical action to protect our environment and to preserve its precious features.

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