Grants to improve the health of rivers and wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin

March 10, 2021

Basin farmers, landholders and community organisations in Maranoa will be able to apply for $6 million in grants to deliver practical on-ground projects that improve the health of rivers and wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“The first round of the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program will offer $6 million in grants of between $5,000 and $50,000, to assist Basin communities to maintain the health of their local streams and wetlands, and give local organisations a direct role in looking after the Basin,” Mr Littleproud said.

“These grants will help our local farmers and communities ensure the money is going where it’s needed most to protect the health of our important waterways.

“That could be installing grazing exclusion fences along riverbanks or measures to control invasive plants and animals in wetlands.

“While eligible projects will look different across the Basin, they will all focus on the health of the river and will benefit the Basin, its people, industries and particularly the environment.

“These grants will help stimulate our local, regional economies recovering from the impacts of drought and COVID-19 by supporting local jobs and businesses in the Basin.

“I encourage all farmers, community groups and First Nations communities in the Basin to look at the guidelines for the first round of the Healthy Rivers Program and submit an application if they are eligible.”

Two further rounds will open in July 2021, offering a further $14 million in grants to support economic recovery through investing in local knowledge to improve river health.

Applications are now open and will close on 31 March 2021. For more information on how to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub.