MEDIA RELEASE

Good response to environmental fund

For immediate release: Wednesday 16 August 2007

Bay of Plenty people have impressive ideas for looking after the region’s environment.

When Environment Bay of Plenty’s Environmental Enhancement fund closed for applications earlier this month, 50 groups or individuals had applied for funding that totalled $1.3 million.

Community Engagement coordinator Kathryn Howard said she’s thrilled with the response, although now the difficult job has begun.

“We’ve begun going through the applications, checking that they are consistent with the fund’s purpose and aims. We will then assess the applications in terms of their regional environmental enhancement, community awareness and participation benefits.

“Unfortunately, as has happened every year, more funding has been applied for than what we’ve got to allocate. Because we’ve only got $450,000 to fund groups with, it means that there are going to be some disappointed people. On the positive side we’re encouraged to see what ideas people do have for enhancing our environment.”

She said applications included projects to create a butterfly garden, protect urupa, develop a Kiwi crèche, pilot a sustainable heating project at schools and restore waterways across the region.

“We’ll be in contact with applicants in mid October to let them know whether they’ve been successful or not. People should also keep an eye out in Backyard, the Regional Council’s publication and on our website for updates.”

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