ARC announces latest Environmental Initiatives Fund recipients

The Auckland Regional Council has provided practical support to active community volunteers for native plants, possum traps, rainwater irrigation system, plant pest control, fencing materials, planting tools, materials for construction of tree nurseries and a coastal boardwalk in the latest Environmental Initiatives Fund allocations.

A record number of 56 applications were received by the Fund and 31 applicants were successful in receiving funding. The Fund was boosted by new funding available for projects that would benefit the coast, made available by the ARC from seabed licencing fees.

18 applicants were successful for coastal funding and 13 applicants were successful from the general pool. The total funding requested was $245,000, and just over $80,000 was available for allocation.

“The ARC’s Environmental Initiatives Fund is one way in which we can assist groups to achieve their goals to improve their local environment,” said ARC chairwoman Gwen Bull. “We are committed to increasing the involvement of our communities in caring for our environment.”

The ARC Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) was established in February 2000 to empower local communities to care for their environment. Practical projects that enhance, restore and protect aspects of Auckland’s natural cultural and physical environment are supported by the fund.

The deadline for applications for the next funding round will be in August 2003. Applications and fund guidelines can be obtained from early July by phoning ARC, 366 2000 or by downloading the forms from the ARC website http:// http://www.arc.govt.nz.

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