04 Jul 2018 McIvor Times, Heathcote VIC (General News) THE State Government is helping environmental groups in northern Victoria protect and restore Victorias land and environment. Jaclyn Symes, the Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, announced environmental volunteer groups can now access grants up to $20,000 as part of the 2018/19 Victorian Landcare Grants. Start-up grants of $500 are also available for new and existing groups to help with operating costs and provide a base for Landcare and community-based natural resource management in northern Victoria. The grants are available to Landcare, Friends of Coastcare and other environment volunteer groups to support the important work they do in protecting and restoring our land and environment. These grants are supporting the community and volunteer groups in northern Victoria to give back to the environment, Ms Symes said. Since it started more than 30 years ago, Landcare has made a vital contribution to northern Victorias environment and Labor is helping them continue to deliver this important work. The funding will be delivered through Victorias 10 catchment management authorities, who will coordinate applications from Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks. For more information go to environment.vic.gov.au/grants