AusLeisure

Victoria's parks and the people who use and work in them are set to benefit from 120 projects backed by $380,000 in Victorian Government grants.

Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announced the recipients of the 2013-14 Healthy Parks Healthy People Community Grants Program, with projects ranging from the preservation of high country huts, to revegetation of Leadbeater's Possum' habitat.

Minister Smith "the Community Grants Program supports the work of volunteers in parks and reserves across the state focusing on key areas of park management including environmental protection, constructing recreation facilities, heritage, community awareness and disability and multicultural access.

"It is inspiring to see the huge range of ways in which the community is getting involved to help care for our urban and regional parks and make them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

"This year's projects include revegetation works, organising festivals that celebrate Aboriginal culture and the environment, weed and pest control, upgrading visitor facilities and work to help protect threatened species."

Minister Smith said the grants were another way the Coalition Government was building lasting partnerships between parks, community groups and individuals with a focus on practical, hands-on-activities.

Among the 120 projects and activities are:

• Hooded Plover nest protection;

• Koala and malleefowl population monitoring at Great Otway National Park and Big Desert Wilderness Park;

• Feral goat control at the Mount Mittamatite Regional Parks;

• Support for the Lake Bolac community Eel Festival;

• Cactus control field days in Maldon; and

• Yellow Bellied Glider habitat restoration at Lysterfield Park.

Minister Smith "Strong communities need a healthy and clean environment, which is why the Coalition Government is taking action to support the Healthy Parks Healthy People Community Grants Program.

"There is a strong body of evidence that shows being in a natural space like a park has significant benefits for mental health and wellbeing. I encourage people to get out and get involved in their local parks."

Minister Smith said the grants program supported the Coalition Government's Environmental Partnerships Action Plan, which is focused on building strong partnerships between government, community groups, business and individuals to protect and enhance the environment.

For further information call 131 963 or go to www.parks.vic.gov.au

21st July 2010 - FREE PARKS ENTRY MAKES VICTORIANS HEALTHIER

7th December 2009 - INTERNATIONAL HEALTHY PARKS HEALTHY PEOPLE CONGRESS 2010

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