Landcare groups across north east Victoria have been awarded $206,500 for environmental action through the Victorian Government's Victorian Landcare Grants.

Catchment Program Coordinator for the North East CMA, Leigh Blackmore, said: “The Victorian Landcare Grants Program supports groups including Landcare in the management and protection of local landscapes.”

“The Victorian Government has provided funding for local Landcare and related groups as a way of supporting the community to actively participate in the integrated management and protection of natural resources,” he said.

Twenty-one North East Landcare networks and groups will soon receive a combined funding boost of $183,000 from the Victorian Government, while 16 groups will receive an additional $23,500 for small projects or maintenance grants.

“The projects focus on local priorities, interests and needs. They range from large scale network and group based projects where farmers are working on many issues, through to innovative urban and community education projects,” Mr Blackmore said.

A selection of project highlights from successful recipients are listed below.
- Upper Murray Landcare Network and North East Blackberry Action Group will work with public land managers and local farmers to restore habitat, protect waterways and continue pest management events and activities.
 - Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups will continue involving the community in improvements to community managed reserves, and waterway and vegetation protection.
 - Wodonga Urban Landcare Network will continue to support their local Friends groups to involve the urban community in valuing and improving the waterways and natural environment in the area.
 - The newly formed North East & Surrounds Equine Landcare group will provide a range of events for horse owners to help them learn how to manage for healthier landscapes and animals.