The project aims to contribute to increased groundcover and perenniality of pastures, improved soil health, improved ecosystem function and support the knowledge and capacity of local landholders.

Watershed Landcare is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for funding from landholders in our region to conduct on-ground works to enhance their grazing management and vegetation on the land they manage.

Total funding of $21,300 is available to contribute to any (or a combination of) the below eligible activities. Individual landholders will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in funding (dependent on project focus, see below) and will be required to provide a 25% in-kind contribution (labour or materials) to the project.

Funding Allocations:

The following quantity of projects will be funded under the project:

• Three (3) grazing management projects (up to $5,000 each excluding labour)
• Three (3) farm tree/revegetation sites (up to $2,100 each excluding labour)

Eligible activities:

• Materials or labour for fencing to exclude/better manage livestock
• Troughs, solar pumps, etc. to provide alternate stock water
• Tube stock, direct seeding, tree guards, etc.
• Other activities designed to improve the grazing management or vegetation on farms

Selection Criteria

EOIs will be assessed by a selection panel against the following criteria:

• Area of project site

• Innovation and creativity in design

• Value of site from a landscape function perspective

• Value for money

• Contribution to farm and wider NRM outcomes

• Willingness to share the project outcomes with others through field day activities, monitoring activities or provision of information for case studies

• Ability to complete the project

Key Dates

3 May 2016 – EOI to be submitted to Watershed Landcare Inc

20 May 2016 – Successful applicants decided on by selection panel

3 June 2016 – Signed contract/funding agreement returned to WLI

30 June 2016 – Funding distributed

1 November 2016 – On-ground works to be completed

1 December 2016 – Final report and photos to Watershed Landcare

TBA – Field day/Farm Walk at project site(s)

Eligibility for funding

• Current financial member of Watershed Landcare (or willingness to become a member).

• You must own the land, or have written permission from the owner of the land, on which the project is to be conducted.

• Provide 25% in-kind contribution to the project. This can include materials or labour.

• Complete work by 1 November 2016.

• Provide final report and photographs to Watershed Landcare by 1 December 2016.

How to apply

Submit a completed Landcare driving sustainable land use project Expression of Interest (EOI) form together with 4 photos of the proposed project site to Watershed Landcare by 3 May 2016.

If your application is successful you will be notified by 20 May 2016 and required to sign a Project Management Agreement before funding is distributed and work can commence.

If you require any further information, or have any questions, contact Claudia Wythes on 0412 011 064 or claudia.wythes@watershedlandcare.com.au