MEDIA RELEASE
 
 
Community fund draws great response

For immediate release: Thursday 18 September 2008
 
Environment Bay of Plenty has received 51 applications from community groups and locals wishing to undertake projects to improve the region.

Environment Bay of Plenty received 51 applications through its annual Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) programme, which closed in late August.  Applications received covered a broad range of projects such as pest control, wetland enhancement, endangered species protection, creating and maintaining walkways and historic restoration work.

Under the EEF, Environment Bay of Plenty makes funding available for groups and individuals undertaking work in the region to enhance the environment.  In June, the regional council decided through the Annual Plan process to increase funding made available through this programme by $50,000.

Environmental Enhancement Fund Officer Sandy Hohepa said the standard of applications and the range of projects seeking funding was very good and represented a broad range of activities across the region.

“Applications received were worth $1.7 million and amounted to a significant investment in community-based work in the Bay of Plenty,” Miss Hohepa said
“It’s very encouraging to see the quality, quantity and range of projects that are looking for funding to improve various aspects of our region’s communities.

“Environment Bay of Plenty has allocated $500,000 to the EEF this financial year, so unfortunately we are not going to be able to fund all the applications we have received, but they will go through a comprehensive assessment process.”
Environment Bay of Plenty councillors will consider applications shortly with applicants expected to be contacted in mid-October to inform of whether or not the project would be funded under EEF.

More information please visit Environment Bay of Plenty’s website, www.envbop.govt.nz.

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