Funding available for weedy initiatives

Horizons Regional Council is calling on the community to get involved in weed control with $2,000 of funding available for small-scale projects.

The Weedbusters’ small-scale initiative provides funds for groups to cover ‘small scale’ costs such as tools, herbicides, mulcher hire, green waste disposal and promotional activities to get Weedbuster groups up and running.

Funding is available annually and awarded to groups or individuals who have registered as Weedbusters on the Weedbusters website, are undertaking projects on public land or private land where two or more landowners are working together, and where work is being carried out by volunteers rather than contractors.

Horizons environmental management officer pest plants Neil Gallagher says two groups benefited from this funding last financial year: Pahiatua School and Natural Heritage Mangaweka.

Pahiatua School used their funding to create a contained green waste disposal area, purchase herbicides and install signage to aid their work at Carnival Park.

Natural Heritage Mangaweka put theirs towards controlling old man’s beard along a five kilometre stretch of the Rangitikei River.

“This funding boost can be just the impetus community groups need to get weed control initiatives off the ground,” Mr Gallagher says.

“We know there are groups out there undertaking some really good work in this area. Here’s an opportunity to improve on that work or even start something new to aid the control of weeds in our region.”

Anyone interested in applying for funding is encouraged to register to become a Weedbuster online at www.weedbusters.org.nz and complete an application form by Monday September 1.

For more information about the funding or the national Weedbusters programme contact your local Horizons environmental management officer on toll-free 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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