Media Statements - City Farm receives $20,000 grant from Waste Management and Recycling Fund

11/12/00

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the Men of the Trees (Inc) has received a grant of $19,988 in the latest round of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.

The grant will go towards City Farm, which is a prime example of recycling and regeneration in the city. City Farm in East Perth is an oasis of permaculture that has blossomed out of a disused contaminated scrap metal yard.

This project will expand and promote the City Farm Recycling, School Tours and Education Program. A flier will be developed specifically related to inner city waste and recycling issues, to inform the many thousands of visitors each year and the local work force in adjacent commercial areas, at waste collection points.

Mrs Edwardes said Men of the Trees was one of 41 recipients of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund totalling $1.02 million announced today.

Western Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Fund is raised from a levy on waste disposed to landfill. It is used to sponsor innovative waste reduction and recycling activities throughout the State.

“Each year almost $5 million is raised from the levy,” Mrs Edwardes said.

“Under the grants program, financial assistance is given to local communities, industry and local government organisations who have projects which will contribute towards the achievement of the State’s waste reduction targets.

“The grants are generally on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the preparedness of applicants to be equal partners in the projects demonstrates their commitment.”

Men of the Trees believes this project offers a clear potential for waste reduction at a local level for waste previously destined for landfill will be salvaged for recycling.

Mrs Edwardes congratulated all successful recipients of grants in this funding round.

The total amount of grant funding under the program now totals over $6 million. An additional $2.2 million has also been allocated from the fund under the Municipal Recycling Services rebate scheme, which is a performance based incentive to local councils to reward them for their kerbside recycling collection efforts.

Mrs Edwardes reminded potential applicants that these grants would be advertised more frequently in future.

“The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year,” she said.

The round that has recently been advertised will close on Friday, December 29. Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.

Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777